On January 15, 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) allowed District 1, which includes Whiteside County, to return to Tier 2 mitigations, due to reduced COVID-19 positivity rates within the District. The Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA), of which Morrison Junior High School is a member, released the following notification detailing the current resurgence mitigations.
Tier 2 Resurgence Mitigations: Tier 2 mitigations may be applied to regions that are experiencing a sustained resurgence of COVID-19 or regions that have been under more stringent Tier 3 mitigations, but have not yet achieved metrics that allow for a resumption of either Tier 1 or Phase 4 Restore Illinois activities. If a region again experiences a sustained resurgence of COVID-19 with Tier 2 mitigations in place, a return to stricter measures may be necessary to curtail further spread.
Mitigations open practice guidelines. Season participation guidelines will be discussed further, at a Friday, January 29, board meeting. The board will also discuss future effects of Tier 2 on Music and Scholastic Bowl competition.
What is allowed under Tier 2 for IESA activities?
Moderate risk sports (Volleyball) may conduct practices. Intra-team scrimmages may be conducted with parental consent. These are considered regular season practices. Teams may conduct a try-out. No contests may be conducted.
High risk sports (Boys Basketball) may conduct non-contact practices. These are considered regular season practices. Teams may conduct a try-out. No intra-squad scrimmages or contests may be conducted.
IESA Girls Basketball practice/tryout is scheduled to begin Monday, March 8.
All participants and coaches who can medically tolerate a face covering must wear a face covering, when they are unable to maintain at least a 6-foot social distance.