BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) –  The Brookings City Council votes to stick with the current pandemic restrictions. They had given first reading June 9 to a new ordinance that would have changed those restrictions to guidelines. That was amended last night to go back to the original emergency restrictions that include things like half-capacity for restaurants, bars, salons and gyms as well as some other requirements. Since that first reading, COVID-19 positives have more than doubled in the county and are currently at 62.

Dr. Richard Hieb of Brookings was among those speaking in favor of keeping the restrictions in place.

Also speaking in favor of keeping restrictions, Dennis Hedge, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at South Dakota State University.

Council Member Nick Wendell made the motion to keep the original restrictions in place.

Several of those testifying spoke about the need to provide further education on the importance of wearing masks in public.

The vote to keep the restrictions in place was 6-1 with Leah Brink providing the lone “no” vote.  Second reading will be held July 7. Without any action, the restrictions would expire on July 13.