Lake County Gazette

A bipartisan coalition of legislators led by State Rep. Chris Bos requested Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health ease up on COVID-19 restrictions on K-12 extracurricular events, increasing the 50 person limit and allowing a 25 percent attendance capacity.

In a letter to Pritzker, the legislators called for an increased attendance in extracurricular events in schools. They also reported that after discussions with school officials, coaches, and athletes, there have been no major viral outbreaks. This is due to the extra effort of school officials and athletes who took the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety.

Strict adherence to protocols set by IDPH and the CDC should still be maintained during the events, which were part of the request. Wearing masks and maintaining appropriate 6-feet social distancing is a must and should be enough to limit the spread of COVID-19, they said.

They also appealed to the governor that the pandemic's effect on the students has been too much, especially to high school seniors who have had their last year in high school interrupted, and that they missed out on making memories with their parents, siblings, relatives, and friends.

A total of 42 legislators signed the letter.