The Brookings City Council gives second reading and passage to another 60-day extension of the current pandemic restrictions. They were set to expire on February 13th. The ordinance includes a mask mandate and capacity limits on some businesses. The mask mandate has been in place since September.

City Manager Paul Briseno says, based on current numbers, he recommends another 60-day extension.

Brookings Health System CEO Jason Merkley says the county is trending in the right direction but we’re still in substantial spread and he recommends extending the ordinance.

Teresa Holloman opposes the extension, saying she has closed one business and is barely hanging on with another.

Council Member Ope Niemeyer says one death from COVID is too many.

Approval came on a 5-2 vote with Leah Brink and Joey Collins voting “no.”