ROCHELLE — Masks will now be recommended for all athletics and activities at Rochelle Township High School after the IHSA released new guidance for member schools Wednesday afternoon. RTHS revised its in-school mask policy earlier this week to make masks recommended for all students and staff.

In a weekly update for member schools, IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson wrote that, while the IHSA recommends schools follow the IDPH guidelines and the All Sports Policy, host schools for athletic events and activities may institute local masking guidance. The revised mask policy for RTHS athletics and activities applies to players, coaches, officials and spectators.

The policy revisions come after a central Illinois judge ruled Friday to implement a temporary restraining order against indoor mask mandates for schools imposed by the IDPH and the ISBE. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has appealed the lower-court ruling, but a timetable for an appellate-court decision has not been declared.

Anderson wrote that any future court decisions could change the current IHSA guidance for member schools.