COVID-19

Webpage Last Updated: 04/05/2021

We need volunteers to help with the COVID-19 response. Learn more or join the Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) by clicking here.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a a respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness in people. The Winnebago County Health Department, along with our local healthcare partners, local health departments in the region, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public’s health.

COVID-19 Status In Winnebago County

Community spread of COVID-19 remains a concern
- The positivity rate in Winnebago County has started to increase
Region 1 is in Phase 4. Click here for guidance. Click here for a guidance overview.
Take Steps To Prevent Spread
- Wear a face covering
- Watch your distance
- Wash your hands
- Get vaccinated a when you have the opportunity
If you are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, take these additional steps to reduce your risk even more:
- Stay home as much as possible
- Use curb-side and delivery options
- Do not gather outside of your household
Avoid all unnecessary travel

Click Here To View COVID-19 Data Report.

Recent Updates on COVID-19

You must have an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine. To get an appointment, click here to register.
For data on COVID-19 vaccinations, click here to go to the IDPH website.
The Illinois National Guard is supporting Winnebago County Health Department with our vaccination efforts at two Community Vaccination Sites. No walk-ins, you must have an appointment.
- Former K-mart building, 1321 Sandy Hollow Rd., Rockford, IL 61109
- New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 4747 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, IL 61101
Just because you are eligible, does not mean you will be able to get a vaccine appointment right away. Please be patient for your turn.
- The best thing you can do is register in the online system, if you have trouble registering ask a trusted friend or family member to assist. You can also reach out to the COVID-19 hotline for assistance.
Testing is available at the community testing site Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am - 4pm. Click here for more on testing
Travel Guidance has been updated to reflect new CDC recommendations. WCHD will no longer list states on its travel guidance due to the updated guidance that unvaccinated individuals get tested after travel regardless of states traveld too.

Illinois COVID-19 Hotline

The Illinois Department of Public Health has established a COVID-19 hotline and email address to answer questions from the public:

1(800) 889-3931
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For questions specific to Winnebago County, please call 1-815-319-6705 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For additional information, click here for a CDC fact sheet or go to the IDPH and CDC webpages on 2019 novel coronavirus: