High school athletes in several counties, including Iroquois, Ford, Vermilion and Champaign, could soon be able to compete in basketball and football based on new guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Friday that as long as a region stays in Phase 4 of the state’s COVID-19 protocols, then high-risk sports would be allowed to practice and play.

Teams in high-risk sports would only be allowed to play games with teams from the same region or conference. Iroquois County is in Region 6, along with Ford, Champaign and Vermilion counties.

Low-risk sports, including baseball, softball, outdoor soccer and track and field, will be allowed to have unrestricted travel in terms of opponents, along with tournaments. Medium-risk sports such as volleyball will be allowed to play regionally or in-conference, the same as high-risk sports.

94.1 WGFA