NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Health notified businesses that provide personal care services to discontinue operations until further notice. 

 

These businesses were apparently called or otherwise notified that they had to close by midnight on Thursday.

 

The order applies to hairdressers and barbers, nail salons, massage services, bodywork services, and body art such as tattoo and piercing that cannot be conducted while ensuring 6 feet of social distancing. The order does not apply to licensed health-care providers such as, but not limited to, the practice of medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and mental health care providers.

 

The city has also suspended parking fees and covered coin slots on the meters to prevent contact. Administrative Officer Michael Canales said this was part of the city's continuing effort to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

 

"The parking clerk and the Police Department have placed a yellow tape square over the coin slot area," he said. "This suspension of parking meters has been implemented by other communities including the town of Adams."

 

Parking enforcement continues throughout the city of Pittsfield, however, but with a focus on violations that interfere with public safety.