SUBSCRIBE & WIN! Sign up for the Daily CHAT News Today Newsletter for a chance to win a $75 South Country Co-op gift card!

Brooks City Hall
city optimistic, remaining smart

City of Brooks reporting zero active COVID-19 cases

Aug 7, 2020 | 3:53 PM

BROOKS, AB – Following the COVID-19 outbreak in the City of Brooks just three months ago, the community is now reporting zero active cases.

Provincial numbers show the city had 1123 cases at the peak of the pandemic.

Since Tuesday this week, the city has been holding steady at no active cases.

Mayor Barry Morishita says they are optimistic and will continue to remain smart and work hard moving forward because COVID-19 is not gone.

“And ours I think there’s a little more elation because of where we were and where we could have gone. We should congratulate ourselves and I think that’s in the air. People are really pleased with how the community responded and I think that is reflected in some of the general vibes around the community and attitude around the community.”

Morishita says when there was the rise of cases, people became very aware and had a high sensitivity to what was going on.

Adding that the awareness and education portion helped decrease their numbers.

As for summer tourism and visitors, Morishita says there has been a lot more activity since reopening, with great weather, and people going camping or to the lake.

He says residents are doing a good job of following public health practices.

And have had very few complaints about physical distancing issues in stores.

“That being said, we’re concerned about crowds, gatherings, and cautioning people. We don’t want to stand in the way of their fun and experience but at the same time just protect yourself and that will protect our community and your family as well.”

Morishita encourages residents to get tested for COVID-19 and the importance of testing.

Adding that asymptomatic tests are available in the city.

He says their hospital has been testing 30-40 people a day.

Morishita says he will be getting his two-week routine test this weekend.