Nurses Jennifer Weber and Jennifer Banaszak chat at the Kane Vax Hub on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022 in Batavia. As of June 10, 2022 Kane County is now in the "high transmission" category. (Julie Walker for Shaw Local)

Kane County has reached what the CDC is designating as “high” community COVID-19 transmission. Kane joins 32 Illinois counties, including all surrounding counties, in the high transmission category.

According to a news release from the Kane County Health Department, the most effective way to prevent severe illness is to be up-to date with vaccinations and boosters. This is especially important for elderly people and those who are immunocompromised or have complex medical conditions.

Anyone who is sick should stay home, anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the virus or is experiencing symptoms, should test themselves before visiting with loved ones, the release stated.

The CDC recommends the following measures for people in areas that are rated at high community level for COVID-19 transmission:

If you test positive: Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies

If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease

Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19, the release stated.

Vaccination appointments are available at the Kane Vax Hub. Visit KaneVax.org.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the KCHD website at KaneHealth.com.

Also, the Kane County Health Department in cooperation with SHIELD Illinois announces the availability of free saliva-based COVID-19 testing at the Kane Vax Hub in Batavia.

The Kane Vax Hub at 501 N. Randall Road will be open for testing Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

According to a news release, the test is a non-invasive saliva test and does not require a nasal swab. Confidential results are available in 24 – 48 hours. Registrants are asked to not eat or drink anything one hour before their test.

Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged. To register, visit shieldilportal.pointnclick.com.

Copyright © 2022 Shaw Local News Network

Copyright © 2022 Shaw Local News Network