BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – The Brookings City Council gave second reading and passage to an extension of the current pandemic restrictions that include an indoor mask mandate and capacity restrictions on some businesses.

Those measures were set to expire early next month. They’ll now be in effect for an additional 60-days.

Brookings Health System CEO Jason Merkley urged continuation of the restrictions. He says, unfortunately, things are getting worse.

He urged all community members to do everything they can to help stop the spread of the virus.

Council Member Nick Wendell says now is not the time to remove restrictions.

Council Member Leah Brink says she wishes people would act responsibly to stop the spread but she still does not favor a government mandate.

The vote was 5-2 to continue with the restrictions for another two months. Council members Brink and Joey Collins voted against passage.