IDPH: Regions in Phase 4 can start intraconference play of high school sports

Posted on January 22, 2021
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. (WJBC file photo)

 

By HOI ABC

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Health’s top doctor announced Friday regions in Phase 4 can resume intraconference play in high school sports.

As of Friday, Jan. 22, that includes Regions 3, 5 and 6.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike said these regions are now able to play competitive basketball and resume practices, according to our news partner HOI ABC.

Region 2, which includes the Bloomington-Normal and Peoria areas, is still in Tier 1 mitigations. To advance to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, which would allow conference action, the region would need to meet the following metrics:

  • Test positivity rate ≤ 6.5% for three consecutive days (7-day average); AND
  • Staffed ICU bed availability ≥ 20% for three consecutive days (7-day average); AND
  • No sustained increase in COVID patients in hospital (7-day average for 7 of 10 days)

The IHSA board meets next week.

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