Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday that models predict coronavirus cases in Illinois may peak sometime in mid-May, a date later than initially forecast thanks to social distancing and the state’s stay-at-home order. NBC 5’s Patrick Fazio has more.
The Illinois High School Association on Tuesday canceled state tournaments for all spring sports because of COVID-19.
The IHSA’s action comes after Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week closed the state’s public schools to in-person instruction through the end of the academic year.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson says the association, which regulates high school sports in the state, could not conduct tournaments that meet the expectations of member schools.
"As disappointing as it may be for students, it is the right decision for their health and safety, as well as for the health and safety of the general public, as we cope with this unprecedented pandemic,” Anderson said.
Spring tournaments were canceled in baseball, bass fishing, boys gymnastics, lacrosse, girls track and field, water polo, softball, girls soccer and badminton.
Association officials say it may consider allowing competition when health officials deem it is safe. If sports are allowed by state government to resume this summer, the IHSA will issue new contact guidelines and will consider allow spring sports teams to play a limited number of games.
