Great Barrington Urges Masks and Social Distancing

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Great Barrington Board of Health has amended its Public Health Advisory to urge residents, visitors, employers and employees to wear a mask and maintain proper social distance in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccine status.
 
The BOH also advises wearing masks while outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained
 
"While vaccination is vitally important to protecting against severe disease, vaccination is not the sole protection against COVID-19 and serious illness," said Rebecca Jurczyk, health agent for the town.
 
The BOH also recommends:
  • Increase ventilation in indoor spaces when two or more people are meeting.
  • Wear medical grade N95 mask when in indoor public settings and/ or around immune-compromised individuals.
  • Social distance and wash hands frequently.
  • Limit travel and gatherings, but if not possible, limit the size of the gathering.
  • Get tested prior to travel or gathering, and plan accordingly to receive results prior to travel.
 
At-home antigen tests are available over the counter and PCR tests are available with an appointment at local testing sites. If you test positive with a home test, contact the local Health Department for more information.
 
In addition, take measures to improve personal health and well-being, by taking care of mental health, getting exercise, managing sleep and contacting your medical provider with any health concerns.
 
Event planners or organizations hosting events are encouraged to consult with the Health Department to ensure appropriate precautionary measures are implemented.
 
Signage referencing this advisory can be requested through the Great Barrington Health Department.
 
Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Board of Health during business hours or at an upcoming Board of Health meeting.
 
Any questions may be directed to the Board of Health, (413) 528-0680.

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Monument Mountain Class of 2024 Told to Be Best Versions of Themselves

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Valedictorian Ariel Caine takes a moment before giving their speech on Sunday. Right, salutatorian Madeleine Rocheleau-Holmes looked to her eighth-grade speech for inspiration. See more photos here. 

LENOX, Mass. — Valedictorian Ariel "Ari" Caine struggled to come up with a speech for Monument Mountain Regional High School's class of 2024.  
 
They tried to spin a mystery with the crime as the "death of empathy" especially through the use of social media. But Caine said they didn't believe we are losing our humanity and that teenagers have been more than successful at resisting this pull than they are getting credit for.
 
"Talking about compassion and growth is nothing new for a graduation speech. And as I figured out that that was what I wanted to talk about, I'd made peace with that," they told the 104 graduates at Tanglewood on Sunday afternoon. "You've heard this message a million times and yet there has to be a reason why people still talk about it."
 
Caine acknowledged that there have been vile and nasty words, and even fights, within the halls of Monument, and that they'd done their fair share. 
 
"But I've also seen understanding. I've been complimented by students I barely knew. I've had some of the most encouraging passionate teachers ever. And even if I don't always agree with them, arguments strengthened my resolve," they said. "The discoveries I've made and things that I've learned have shaped me into the person that you see before you and I know the same has happened with all of you."
 
The message of compassion doesn't become less significant because logically everyone knows it's important, Caine said. 
 
"Everyone here will go out today and fail and stumble and make mistakes, sometimes horrible, life-changing ones and we will learn and grow and continue on," they said. "You don't have to do great things or change the world. You have to be the best version of yourself and if that's living a completely normal but compassionate life, that has its own meaning."
 
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