Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) is finding itself in a tricky situation when it comes to mask mandates during basketball play.

The state’s top health body has been advocating for Gov. J.B. Priztker’s controversial mask policies across the state. But when it comes to basketball, the IDPH appears to be taking a dual position.

Illinois high school and junior high basketball players are required to wear masks, while their collegiate and professional contemporaries are allowed to roam the hardboards mask-free, according to IDPH guidelines.

Northfield Township Republican Committeeman T.J. Brown pointed out the distinction after the early rounds of high school basketball.

“There's -0- percent chance @JBPritzker will put any thought into the question, but maybe someone can explain the value of Illinois mandating masks on players during high school basketball games, particularly since it appears extremely difficult for the masks to be worn properly,” Brown tweeted. 

Brown posted photos of athletes in nearby Indiana in contrast.

“You can only spread COVID when playing basketball at the high school or junior high school level in Illinois,” Brown said in a follow-up tweet.

IDPH’s guidelines note the basketball mask policy is limited to K-12 players and does not explain the disparity in treatment.

"Executive Order 2021-18, which requires universal indoor masking for youth in public and nonpublic schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (pre-K-12), and in accordance with Executive Order 2021-22, which requires statewide universal indoor masking. Individuals playing sports indoors must wear a mask during training, competition, other active exercise, and during other contacts that do not occur during gameplay, such as on the sideline or bench, in the locker room, during team meetings, in the weight room, on the team bus or when carpooling,” IDPH’s guidelines read.

The IDPH did not respond to an interview request regarding the distinction.