April 5: Three more Berkshire County residents have died: three women in their 60s, 90s, and 100s. Total of number of deaths reported statewide on Sunday is 15.
April 4: A Berkshire County woman and a man, both in their 90s, and a man in his 80s have died; total deaths statewide rose by 24 to 253.
April 3: There were 38 more deaths reported on Friday, none in Berkshire County. However, Williamstown Commons has reported two deaths on Wednesday so it is not clear if they were COVID-19 related.
April 2: Thirty-two more deaths have been reported for a total of 154 to date. The majority were hospitalized, including a Suffolk woman in her 30s.
April 1: The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state jumped by 1,118; 33 new deaths were recorded for a total of 122 since the pandemic spread to Massachusetts.While most of the deaths have been of residents ranging in age from their 60s to 100s, a man in his 30s has died in Suffolk County. The majority have also died in the hospital. Williamstown Commons reports that the number cases has remained at 20.
March 31: A Berkshire County woman in her 80s has died. The state reports 33 new deaths for a total of 80. These numbers presumably contain the six COVID-19 deaths confirmed at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke that were not previously reported; another five deaths there are being investigated as COVID-19.
Pittsfield is reporting a total of 61 active cases; a Pittsfield death was reported March 23.
March 30: Eight new deaths reported: Man in his 60s and woman in her 70s, Middlesex; woman, 80s, and man, 60s, Essex; woman, 70s, Norfolk; two women, 70s and 60s, Suffolk; and woman, 70s, Bristol.
March 29: DPH reports four more deaths, including a Berkshire County woman in her 80s who had not been hospitalized. Also a man in his 80s from Essex County; woman, 90s, Middlesex; and woman, 70s, Norfolk.
March 28: Nine more people have died: woman in her 60s in Essex County; woman, 80s, Suffolk; man, 80s, and woman, 50s, Worcester; woman and man, both 80s, Norfolk; two men, 70s and 80s, and woman, 90s, Hampden.
March 27: Two more Berkshire County residents have died from complications of COVID-19: a man in his 60s and a woman in her 90s. Both had been hospitalized. Eight other state residents have also died: three women in their 80s and a man in his 60s from Norfolk County; woman, 90s, Franklin; man, 80s, Middlesex; man, 90s, Barnstable, and a woman, 90s, Bristol.
March 26: 10 deaths total. Two men (50s & 80s) from Essex; two men (70s & 80s) and a woman (80s) from Middlesex; man, 80s, Hampden; man, 90s, Suffolk; man, 80s, Worcester; woman, 70s, Norfolk; man, 80s, Franklin. All but three confirmed hospitalized.
March 25: A man and a woman in their 70s from Worcester County and two men in their 80s from Norfolk and Barnstable counties. All four had been hospitalized.
March 24: A Berkshire County woman in her 60s and a woman in her 80s from Middlesex County have died.
March 23: Two women, both in their 70s and from Essex and Worcester counties, and two men — one in his 60s from Suffolk County and the other in his 80s from Norfolk County — have died. All four had been hospitalized.
March 22: A Berkshire County man has reportedly died from COVID-19, according to a statement by the DPH.
The first deaths resulting from COVID-19 in the state occurred on March 20 (a man in his 80s from Suffolk County) and on March 21 (a woman in her 50s from Middlesex County).
Northern Berkshire COVID-19 Operations Center
Residents can call with questions at 413-662-3614, answered between 8 and 5 weekdays and voicemail for after hours, or use nbcovid@gmail.com.
Berkshire Medical Center
Toll-free hotline for questions staffed seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m: 1-855-BMC-LINK or 1-855-262-5465.
Please assume that your local governmental offices, libraries and COAs are closed or operating under limited conditions. Use your town's official website for business or call to find out what precautions have been put in place. Always call ahead to ensure your destination is open.
• The Pittsfield RMV is appointment only for only critical services that cannot be done online or over the phone. Check the website for licenses and certificates that have been extended.
• All restaurants and bars are closed to on-premise consumption; please consider ordering takeout from them or buying gift cards to help them through this difficult period.
• All schools are closed at least through May 4. All gatherings of more than 10 are prohibited; expect that all meetings, performances, clubs, fundraisers, worship services and other such activities are canceled.
• All state programs are canceled and non-essential executive branch employees have been ordered to stay home. Museums and other cultural institutions are closed as are movie theaters and YMCAs.
• Banks are currently open for driveup, online banking, ATMs or the drive-up.
• Groceries, pharmacies, department and convenience stores are still open. PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT BUY MORE THAN YOU NEED. Rules in effect include maintaining a 6-foot distance, shopping hours for vulnerable populations, and access to disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.
• Child-care centers open only for essential personnel. Visitation at nursing homes and medical facilities are limited to prevent virus spread.
• Other services and organizations are mainly open for phone consultation and limited person-to-person contact.
What you can do
Take a walk or a bicycle ride. Spring clean. Call friends or Facetime. Get your garden ready. Check on folks who may need help. Watch a movie. Order from your favorite restaurants. Take a deep breath. Wash your hands.
Covid-19 Briefs April 3: BRTA Modifies Bus Routes The Elizabeth Freeman Center, the county's provider of services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, is still operating but the is concerned about the decline in requests for help....
Legislators Continue to Plug Away at Budget, Virus-Related Issues Barrett said despite a "dramatic" loss in state revenues because of the economic slowdown resulting from social distancing measures in place to slow the coronavirus's spread, the federal stimulus...
One Million N95 Masks Headed for Massachusetts The first shipment is expected to arrive Thursday night with the rest to follow shortly afterward, Gov. Charlie Baker said at Thursday's COVID-19 briefing.
Baker: State Stay-in-Place Guidelines Extended to May 4 Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday that he is extending the order closing non-essential businesses and his stay-at-home advisory for residents of the commonwealth through May 4.
State Officials Bracing for COVID-19 Surge Next Week Gov. Charlie Baker at Monday's briefing said reviewed plans being implemented to reduce pressure on the health system including increasing bed capacity, equipment and staffing.
Governor: Mass. Residents Can Check for Risk Factors on Web Site The online tool developed by Buoy Health allows users to enter information about symptoms they may be feeling and directs them to resources that are available to them, like testing for the novel...
Governor Frustrated by PPE Shortage: 'Let Us Land the Order' The state has found itself bidding against other states as well as the federal government in trying to find materials, particularly personal protective equipment desperately needed by medical...
Baker Discusses Genesis of 'Essential' Business List As the state order to close "non-essential" businesses went into effect on Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker addressed criticism that the commonwealth's definition of "essential" is overly broad.
Administration Filing Measure to Extend, Suspend Deadlines The governor's office is filing a municipal relief package giving broad leeway to communities and school districts to extend deadlines and fees and bring back retired first-responders.
Tyer Asks Residents to Abide by 'Stay at Home' Advisory Mayor Linda Tyer gave a COVID-19 update on Pittsfield Community Television on Monday afternoon asking residents to adhere to the new restrictions imposed by the state.
March 23 COVID-19 Briefs: BMC Not Seeking Homemade Masks Leary said the hospital was grateful for the community for offering to donate supplies or sew the masks but that it was waiting for guidance from the Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers...
Governor Orders Nonessential Services to Close or Work Remote Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear...
Mount Greylock Lunch Menu for Kids, Seniors Anyone in Lanesborough or Williamstown wishing to participate in the program is asked to call and leave their information at 413-458-9582, Ext. 1195, or email lunches@mgrhs.org.
Baker: No 'Shelter-in-Place' Planned in Massachusetts A man in his 80s from Suffolk County with pre-existing medical conditions became the first resident of the commonwealth to die from the pandemic disease, state officials confirmed on Friday.
Williams Inn Closing Friday Over COVID-19 Concerns Williams College President Maud Mandel, in an email to the college community on Thursday, announced that the inn will be closing its doors on Friday.
Vermont Marks First Deaths From Coronvirus According to news reports, both patients were elderly: one was a Windsor County resident who had been hospitalized at the White River Junction VA Medical Center and the second a woman at the...
Governor Activates Massachusetts National Guard Gov. Charlie Baker late Thursday activated the Massachusetts National Guard to support the commonwealth's response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
BRTA Limiting Access to Intermodal Center in Pittsfield The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is limiting public use of the Intermodal Transportation Center to those utilizing BRTA's bus service, Peter Pan, Greyhound, Amtrak, or buying food at the...
As of Saturday, April 4, the number of customers allowed in store will be limited to five per every 1,000 square feet, or about 20 percent of each store's capacity.
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Gov. Charlie Baker stressed Friday that testing will be an "enormously powerful tool for public health officials" in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus. The new tracing collaborative is one of several assets being used to prepare for an expected surge in cases that could top 170,000... click for more
The City of North Adams will extend due dates on real estate and personal property bills, motor vehicle excise bills, water and sewer bills, and exemption and deferral applications until June 1, 2020. These extensions apply regardless of the due date printed on the bills. click for more
Adams Community Bank has donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund that was recently established to help Berkshire Health Systems battle the coronavirus pandemic.
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Mandel announced that members of the Class of 2020 will receive a survey seeking their ideas about alternative ways to celebrate their graduation from the liberal arts college. click for more
Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito were at the DCU on Wednesday afternoon to provide their daily update on the state's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday that he is extending the order closing non-essential businesses and his stay-at-home advisory for residents of the commonwealth through May 4.
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Kim and James Taylor have donated $350,000 to Berkshire Medical Center to bolster the hospital's efforts in fighting the ongoing battle to stop COVID-19. click for more
The move from the location at 45 Eagle St. to the Parish Center, located at the corner of St. Anthony Drive and Holden Street, is being made to provide more room for social distancing and to adjust to increased need for emergency food during the COVID-19 emergency. click for more
School districts throughout the commonwealth this week are deciding how they will act on remote learning guidelines issued by the commissioner of education last week. click for more
In a brief statement late Monday, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Dan Tsai said Bennett Walsh was being put on administrative leave.
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Of course, those numbers are always changing and likely will look different when the DPH updates its numbers again, which it does daily.
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Gov. Charlie Baker at Monday's briefing said reviewed plans being implemented to reduce pressure on the health system including increasing bed capacity, equipment and staffing.
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Local first-responders are in dire need of personal protective gear as the number of COVID-19 cases has risen by more than 500 percent in the past week. click for more
Berkshire County's Brien Center moved all of its psychotherapists to a telehealth model last week, according to the agency's vice president of service operations.
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North Adams has installed large signs at the parks reminding residents of the rules but Canales acknowledged it has been difficult to enforce at the skate park. click for more
The online tool developed by Buoy Health allows users to enter information about symptoms they may be feeling and directs them to resources that are available to them, like testing for the novel coronavirus, if it is recommended.
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Specifically, Bob refuted the contention that a worker from the electrical construction firm Comalli Group, who has tested positive, had contact with just two other Comalli employees who have been at the Williamstown site.
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The state has found itself bidding against other states as well as the federal government in trying to find materials, particularly personal protective equipment desperately needed by medical facilities and first-responders.
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On Wednesday afternoon, other workers were still on the job site, and the college has announced no plans to suspend work on the project.
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The administration invoked a number of measures on Wednesday to continue efforts to contain the novel coronavirus that has killed nearly a thousand Americans. click for more
The team at 1Berkshire is continuing to monitor developments and official guidance, and curate informational resources to share with the business community. click for more
As the state order to close "non-essential" businesses went into effect on Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker addressed criticism that the commonwealth's definition of "essential" is overly broad. click for more
The governor's office is filing a municipal relief package giving broad leeway to communities and school districts to extend deadlines and fees and bring back retired first-responders. click for more
Director Carol DeMayo Monday confirmed that pantry has benefited from an increase in donations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mayor Linda Tyer gave a COVID-19 update on Pittsfield Community Television on Monday afternoon asking residents to adhere to the new restrictions imposed by the state. click for more
Leary said the hospital was grateful for the community for offering to donate supplies or sew the masks but that it was waiting for guidance from the Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
click for more
Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order.
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Anyone in Lanesborough or Williamstown wishing to participate in the program is asked to call and leave their information at 413-458-9582, Ext. 1195, or email lunches@mgrhs.org.
click for more
A man in his 80s from Suffolk County with pre-existing medical conditions became the first resident of the commonwealth to die from the pandemic disease, state officials confirmed on Friday.
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The public library is halting its curbside pickup of library materials and printouts and is encouraging patrons to use its online resources.
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Barrett said the commonwealth received more than 19,000 unemployment claims on Wednesday, and he fears more will be coming as the economic impact of the pandemic ripples through the economy.
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The next pickup is Wednesday, March 25, from the center's 45 Eagle Street location. Social distancing procedures will be followed strictly. click for more
Williams College President Maud Mandel, in an email to the college community on Thursday, announced that the inn will be closing its doors on Friday.
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According to news reports, both patients were elderly: one was a Windsor County resident who had been hospitalized at the White River Junction VA Medical Center and the second a woman at the Burlington Health & Rehabilitation facility.
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Gov. Charlie Baker late Thursday activated the Massachusetts National Guard to support the commonwealth's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. click for more
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is limiting public use of the Intermodal Transportation Center to those utilizing BRTA's bus service, Peter Pan, Greyhound, Amtrak, or buying food at the coffee shop.
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