PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has canceled Third Thursday events for May and June and the fate of the popular Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade that brings more than 20,000 to the city is up in the air. 

 

Mayor Linda Tyer made the announcement during her weekly COVID-19 update on PCTV on Friday, confirming what she'd said earlier on a local radio show.

 

"We hope to resume again in July, but honestly, that remains to be seen," she said. The Third Thursday program has been bringing thousands of people to North Street once a month for 14 years for music, performances, food, activities and more. 

 

The cancellations are a reminder that it may be months before the life returns to any type of normalcy because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Instead of celebrations, the city is developing economic initiatives for local businesses using a range of funding opportunities including emergency funds that have been approved by Federal Emergency Management Agency for COVID-1-related recovery.

 

Tyer said the city has $789,382 in Community Development Block Grant Funds and is looking at the Small Business Fund and Community Preservation Act monies. 

 

"The city will provide funds to individuals and businesses that are experiencing economic hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic," she said. "There will be more details to share in next week's update."

 

The former St. Joseph's High School was opened this week as a shelter for homeless to provide them with meals, sleeping quarters, showers, bathrooms and laundry that will allow them to safely "social distance." The operation is open 24/7.

 

"This is a critical new program provided by ServiceNet because so many of the places where homeless gather during the day have been closed," she said. Those suffering from COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization will find medical care and respite at a local hotel under the auspices of Community Health Plan. 

 

Pittsfield has also made arrangements with two hotels for a total of 28 rooms for housing first-responders who have to isolate or quarantine. This will also be available to first-responders in communities with mutual aid agreements with Pittsfield. 

 

County Ambulance has received state approval to administer in-home COVID-19 testing for county residents who cannot get to the testing tent at Berkshire Medical Center. Those who feel they may have symptoms or been in contact within someone who tested positive must still contact the BMC hotline at 855-BMC-LINK or 855-262-5465 to determine testing criteria and get a doctor's order for a test.  

 

"This is an incredible accomplishment and a vital service especially for seniors and others who may not have access to reliable transportation," the mayor said. 

 

Tyer also repeated changes in fees announced earlier in the week: the due date for municipal tax payments has been delayed to June 1; no late fees or interest will accrue on late payments after March 10 that are paid before June 30; and terminations for water, sewer or trash pickup will occur as long as payments are made by June 30.

 

The mayor urged residents to abide by new regulations at grocery stores and to shop alone, get essentials, and do it quickly. She also said public safety and other city vehicles would not be allowed to participate in any wave or special occasion parades. 

 

"I understand families are looking for ways to mark special occasions, especially for children," Tyer said. "But the parade becomes a reason for people to congregate and get too close to each other and put each other at risk ...

 

"Our message about staying at home is clear and must be consistently modeled by our first-responders."

 

The mayor said the data on the number of COVID-19 cases recovering is encouraging but offered her sympathy to those who have lost a loved one. The city has lost three residents including the first in the county.  

 

"When my team and I are making decisions to protect you we carry everyone of you in our heart," Tyer said. "We know how much your lives have been disrupted but we have to ask you again and again to stay home, mind your distance and practice good hand hygiene.

 

"We can do this. We can be the first city and the first county in the state of Massachusetts to crush the curve."