Friday, October 16, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 33
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NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
The COVID-19 Weekly Update will provide current information and resources for DuPage County. We encourage you to share this widely through our community. To subscribe and receive weekly local updates on COVID-19, please fill out this form.
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DuPage County
Experiencing Rise of COVID-19 Cases
Residents Urged to Follow Preventive Measures
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DuPage County—COVID-19 activity in DuPage County is on the rise, and trending in the wrong direction which could trigger additional mitigation measures to combat a resurgence of COVID-19. Local officials urge residents to work together to slow the community transmission of COVID-19. Residents are strongly encouraged to follow personal preventive measures and stay home when they are sick.
DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is monitoring and working to address the recent increase in persons with COVID-19, especially driven by increases among adult age groups. Between October 6 – October 13, 2020, the 7-day rolling average of COVID-19 cases increased by 51 percent (from 112.2 to 169.4). Most of the cases are occurring in adult age groups of 20-39 years, followed by 40-59 years, followed by 60-79 years (see graph above).
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DCHD is also concerned about daily census reports from hospitals in DuPage County showing a spike in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, doubling in the past week.
As DCHD works to understand the behaviors and types of exposures contributing to this concerning uptick among individual cases, “COVID fatigue” seems to be a factor influencing the increased spread. Increasingly we are receiving reports of individuals not adhering to preventive measures and overlooking the risks of gathering with friends and family from different households. During these gatherings, individuals are not wearing masks and are having long, close interactions in indoor settings; therefore, increasing their risk of transmitting the virus.
“As the weather turns colder and people begin gathering indoors, there is more opportunity for community spread. We know this virus spreads rapidly and isn’t very forgiving, especially indoors,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director at DuPage County Health Department. “We understand people are feeling tired, but we can’t let our guard down, we must remain focused on working together as a community to slow the spread of the virus and keep our friends, loved ones and neighbors safe.”
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There is Still Time
Schedule Your Mammogram
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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the DuPage County Health Department reminds women that early detection through regular screenings, especially for women at high risk, leads to better outcomes.
“If you have missed or delayed your mammogram this year due to COVID-19, now is the time to take care of yourself,” said Karen Ayala, DuPage County Health Department Executive Director. “Call your doctor and schedule your mammogram today. It’s not too late.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer. Routine mammograms and breast exams are often critical in detecting cancer early, before it has spread, and while it is easier to treat successfully.
For uninsured and underinsured women, the Health Department offers the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) that provides access to women’s health screening services at no cost. Through this program, eligible women can receive clinical breast exams, mammograms at a local hospital, pelvic exams, pap tests, and medical follow-up appointments related to breast and cervical health issues.
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Holiday Season Safety Tips Fact Sheet
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Click the thumbnail above to download |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every week, the DuPage County Health Department will be sharing the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus pandemic to help educate and inform county residents. For the week of October 12, 2020 the FAQ is:
Q. For COVID-19 diagnostic testing, what are the differences between PCR versus antigen testing?
A. The differences between PCR and antigen testing for COVID-19 are outlined in this table from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, from Mayo Clinic:
The FDA approved these types of tests for diagnosing a COVID-19 infection:
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PCR test: This COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also called a molecular test, a health care worker collects fluid from a nasal or throat swab or from saliva. Results may be available in minutes if analyzed onsite or a few days — or longer in locations with test processing delays — if sent to an outside lab. PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases.
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Antigen test: This COVID-19 test detects certain proteins in the virus. Using a nasal or throat swab to get a fluid sample, antigen tests can produce results in minutes. Because these tests are faster and less expensive than PCR tests, antigen tests may be more practical to use for large numbers of people. A positive antigen test result is considered very accurate, but there's an increased chance of false-negative results — meaning it's possible to be infected with the virus but have a negative result. Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend a PCR test to confirm a negative antigen test result.
Additional information from the FDA on COVID-19 testing is available at:
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COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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Flu Vaccine Voucher Program DuPage County |
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This year, it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone in your family gets a flu vaccine. Getting your flu shot will help to keep you, your family, and your community safe and can help you avoid co-infection of COVID-19 and the flu.
The DuPage Health Coalition is joining partners in DuPage County to make it easier for all of individuals to stay healthy and flu-free. With funding provided by DuPage County, DHC is offering free flu vaccine vouchers to uninsured DuPage County residents whose financial circumstances make it difficult to get their annual flu shot.
Vouchers will be sent to individuals who request them (by email or mail) and can be redeemed at any DuPage County Walgreens until December 31st, while supplies last.
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DuPage County Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site |
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DuPage County is offering community-based COVID-19 drive-thru testing at the DuPage County Complex. The entrance is located on County Farm Road a few blocks North of Roosevelt Road at a stoplight. Follow the signs through the campus to the test site.
The testing site is open Monday through Friday from 7 am until noon or until the daily test capacity of 600 is reached.No appointment, symptoms or insurance is required.
For more information about the testing site or what to expect, please click here.
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Pillars Community Health
COVID-19 Testing in Willowbrook
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Pillars Community Health offers drive-up testing for COVID-19 across the street from Burr Ridge Middle School in Burr Ridge.
Limited tests available; appointment required; please call 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) .
Testing is available on Tuesdays from 8:30 - 11 am and Thursdays from 8:30 - 11:30 am to
anyone with symptoms of COVID-19; or anyone with a known exposure to COVID-19 (have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19); or asymptomatic, high-risk patients, first responders, health care workers, or essential workers who wish to be tested.
Please note, testing is available at Anne M. Jeans School by appointment only.
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VNA Health Care COVID-19 Testing |
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VNA Health Care offers COVID-19 testing by appointment only to new and existing patients with or without symptoms.
Community mobile testing clinics are also available in Bensenville and West Chicago through VNA Health Care.
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Alexis Catholic Church
400 W Wood Ave, Bensenville, IL, 60106
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Andrew's Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago, IL, 60185
To schedule an appointment, call (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455.
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Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address |
If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline:
Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Friday, October 16, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 32
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