Brooks resident copes after testing positive for COVID-19

CALGARY (CityNews) – Far from home and away from family, one Brooks resident says everything changed after getting the call confirming she had COVID-19.

“I was devastated, scared and worried. I’m carrying the virus and I don’t know what will happen to me. I’m the breadwinner of the family. I support my sister and my brother and some of my nieces and nephews.”

Every payday, Grace Reloj sets aside a portion of her earnings to send to the Philippines. The money she earns while working at the JBS meatpacking plant and part time at the A&W in Brooks.

“I’m happy doing that, I’m happy helping my family.”

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On April 17 she was feeling unwell and was sent home from work. A few days later she got a call from Alberta Health Services saying she tested positive and was told to isolate at home.

During her quarantine, her biggest concern was that she couldn’t work to support her family.

“I prayed double because I really wanted to help myself, to be okay.”

Reloj has recovered from the virus and was cleared to go back to work mid-May. Initially, she was scared to return.

She said dividers have been placed throughout the plant and everyone is expected to follow social distancing rules and wear protective equipment at all times.

“I didn’t know where I get the virus. Is it the plant or somewhere else? We still have this worry that the virus might be somewhere there.”

JBS employees make up 6 per cent of Brook’s population and a third of the city’s population comes from East Africa, South Asia and Latin America.

As of Saturday, there have been 1,095 confirmed cases in Brooks, 53 active cases and seven deaths. Just over 1,030 residents have recovered.

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Emelcris Aurelio is another Brooks resident whose husband works at JBS.

When the outbreak started, she created a support group called Bayanihan in Brooks, helping those affected by COVID-19.

“It’s very hard to go out and get their basic things. There are a lot of people infected but when I see the number of recoveries, it gives you a sense of hope.”

So far, the group has helped over 150 families and individuals, including Grace. Now that she’s recovered, she is finding time to lend a helping hand, an act she appreciated when she was isolating.

“It makes me feel like lots of people love me.”