COVID-19 Information
IMPORTANT NEWS: Public Health Emergency Declaration Ends May 11
What it Means for DuPage County DuPage County – The federal and state governments today May 11, 2023, are ending Public Health Emergency (PHE) declarations that have been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The end of the PHE demonstrates that we are in a much better place in our response than we were three years ago with many more tools available to protect our community including testing, vaccines, and treatments. The end of the PHE does not mean the virus is no longer a threat. COVID19 remains a leading cause of death in the United States.
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented public health and societal challenges lasting more than three years and causing nearly 300,000 COVID-19 cases and 2,027 deaths in DuPage County since 2020.
Being up to date with COVID-19 vaccines continues to be one of the most important ways to help protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show people ages 18 years and older and vaccinated with an updated booster had a 6x lower risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to people who were not vaccinated.
Over the past three years, the DuPage County Health Department and partners throughout the county led the largest vaccination program in history and helped nearly 80% (734,674) of DuPage County residents complete their primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
“DuPage County continues to be a leader with one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the state, this was really “Our Shot DuPage.” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director, DuPage County Health Department. “I offer heartfelt thanks today to all DCHD staff, healthcare partners, community members, and residents for their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to the well-being of all DuPage County residents.” What does the end of the PHE mean? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “most tools, like vaccines, treatments, and testing, will remain available. But, some tools, like certain data sources and reporting, will change.”
What does the end of the PHE mean? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “most tools, like vaccines, treatments, and testing, will remain available. But, some tools, like certain data sources and reporting, will change.”
- Vaccines: The U.S. government is currently distributing free COVID-19 vaccines for all adults and children regardless of insurance coverage.
- Testing: Insurance providers will no longer be required to waive costs or provide free COVID-19 tests. CDC’s No Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator can help people find current community and pharmacy partners participating in the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program.
- Treatments: Medication to prevent severe COVID-19, such as Paxlovid, will remain available for free while supplies last. After that, the price will be determined by the medication manufacturer and your health insurance coverage. COVID-19 treatments may then require a copay.
The CDC continues to advise everyone stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, use at-home tests if they’ve been exposed or have symptoms, stay home if they’re sick, and seek medical attention if their symptoms are worsening. Wearing a high-quality mask and increasing ventilation are also ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and other illnesses.
About COVID-19
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever and/or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Be on the lookout for these emergency warning signs of severe COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
- Get tested!
- Call your doctor for the most up to date information on how to get COVID-19 testing. Tell them that you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Calling ahead will help your doctor’s office take steps to keep other people from being exposed, and give you the best advice.
- Call the DuPage County COVID-19 Hotline at (630) 221-7030. This hotline is open weekdays from 8am-4:30pm, and Saturday from 8am-1pm.
- Call the Illinois COVID-19 Hotline 24/7, at 1(800) 889-3931. These resources are open anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Please do not go to the ER seeking a COVID-19 screening unless directed to do so by a medical professional. Testing is only available under specific criteria, and since the ER may have other visitors with COVID-19 and other infections, you may actually increase your odds of contracting an illness. In the case of a true medical emergency, please do go to the ER.
Wondering how long you need to isolate or quarantine after a positive COVID-19 test or close contact with someone who tested positive? Check out this cool new tool from the CDC that can help you determine your next steps.
As of now, there are a number of FREE outpatient treatments and therapies available (for both prevention and treatment) to certain populations who are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms if contracted. These include Monoclonal Antibody Treatments and antiviral drugs. More specifically, Evusheld is used to prevent infection while Sotrovimab, Paxlovid, Bebtelovimab, and Molnupiravir are used to treat severe illness and hospitalization for COVID-19. For more information about each of the treatments and therapies and to assess whether you qualify, click here. To find an outpatient therapy provider near you, please click here.
- Get vaccinated!
- Wear a mask/PPE when possible
- Practice social distancing
- Wash your hands regularly
- Visit the CDC Website regarding general information about COVID-19.
- The Illinois Department of Public Health has a statewide COVID-19 hotline and website to answer any questions from the public: Call 1-800-889-3931 or visit IDPH.illinois.gov.
- Find statewide data and responses by visiting coronavirus.illinois.gov.
- Find information regarding DuPage County by visiting the DuPage County Health Department’s website.