Massachusetts Total Cases as of Jan. 17
Positive Statewide   448,311
Berkshire County   3,969
Deaths Statewide   13,372 
Berkshire County deaths   184
Seven-Day Positive Test Rate    5.86
 
Jan. 17: There was one death and 32 new cases reported in the county. The total number of cases is now 3,969. The state reported 67 deaths, for a total of 13,372, and 4,283 new cases, for a total of 448,311. The seven-day average positive test rate dropped to 5.86 percent. 
 
The Department of Public Healther confirmed on Sunday the first case of the COVID-19 variant first found in the United Kingdom. The Boston resident had traveled to the United Kingdom and tested negative prior to returning home. She felt ill in early January and tested positive; a genetic sample was sent to an out of state laboratory and was confirmed as B.1.1.7. To date, the CDC has reported 88 cases from 14 states in the United States.
 
Jan. 16: Daily case numbers in the Berkshires show no sign of abating, with another 78 reported on Saturday. During the summer, the county was seeing days without any cases being reported. There were also another three deaths, bringing the total to 183. 
 
The seven-day average positive test rate statewide has continued to drop, now 6.15 percent, but daily cases remain in the 5,000-6,000 range. Saturday's report was 5,657 new cases for 444,028 total; deaths were 74, for 13,305. 
 
The number of infections have mainly increased in younger people, with the greatest number of new cases over the past two weeks being in the three categories for ages ranging from 0 to 39. Those under age 20 have the highest confirmed cases at 14,179. 
 
The average age of hospitalizations is now 73. There are nearly 300 people intubated statewide although there has been a slight decrease in overall hospitalizations at 2,197. BMC reported on Friday that it has 40 (four at Fairview) patients on precautions with two pending tests. This is down about 20 from two weeks ago. There have now been 72 deaths at the hospital.
 
The number of deaths globally has surpassed 2 million and confirmed infections now total 94,410,568. The United States makes up 20 percent of all deaths and 25 percent of all infections worldwide. 
 
Jan. 15: There were two more deaths bringing the total to 180  and 52 new cases for a total of 3,859. 
 
The state reported 75 deaths for a total of 13,231 and 5,074 cases for a total of 438,371. Nationwide, total cases number 23,491,421 and deaths, 391,540. The statewide seven-day average 6.45. The county's 11-day average as of Jan. 14 is 4.95 percent.
 
In the last seven days there have been 52,239 first doses of vaccine and 206,190 total; 31,673 second doses in the past week and 32,894 total. Total cumulative doses so far is 239,174. 
 
Massachusetts has received 142,350 Pfizer doses and 205,100 Moderna doses. The Berkshires have so far received 7,650.
 
Pittsfield has set up a hotline for city residents to provide them with information on when vaccines will be available. The number 413-449-5575 goes into operation this weekend and will be updated Mondays. Currently individuals in Phase 1 (health-care workers, first-responders, and congregate-care facilities).
 
Jan. 14: The county's death rate continues to climb with six more deaths reported on Thursday. At least 178 people have now succumbed to novel coronavirus. 
 
Cases countywide jumped by another 74, bringing the total to 3,807. Several of the smaller communities have seen a signficant increase in cases over the past weeks. 
 
Cheshire nearly doubled its total cases, adding 34 over the last two weeks for a total of 72. Adams was up more than 25 percent, with 46 cases for total of 171. Great Barrington was up nearly a third with 80 cases and Lanesborough up 28 percent with 21 cases and a total of 76.  North Adams added 72 cases for a total of 263.
 
A few towns have had neglible cases. Florida has five and Hancock a total of 12 with none in the last 14 days. 
 
The state reported a seven-day positive average rate of 6.67 percent, down from more than 8 percent over the holidays. There were 5,545 new cases for a total of 433,297 and 74 deaths, for a total of 13,156.
 
Jan. 13: Six more deaths were reported in the county bringing the total number now to 172. Half of all deaths to date occurred since Dec. 9, or 50 percent in five weeks. Sixty-eight deaths occurred at Berkshire Medical Center over the last 10 months. 
 
The hospital is down to 48 (four at Fairview); 23.4 percent of the 47 tests at BMC in the last seven days have been positive.
 
The number of new cases is 52 for a total of 3,733.
 
The statewide seven-day positive average test rate is 7.11 percent. The number of new cases is 5,278, for a total of 427,752; the number of deaths is 86, bringing the number to 13,082.
 
Nationwide, the number of infections has surpassed 23 million and deaths stand at 383,939.
 
Gov. Charlie Baker defended his administration's strategy of taking a phased approach to COVID-19 vaccine distribution and the decision to move to congregate care facilities — including corrections facilities — next week. 
 
In North Adams, the Board of Health declined, for the moment, to close restaurants despite a spike in cases traced back to eateries and Mayor Linda Tyer in Pittsfield warned that the city had seen a steep increase over the past five days and a seven-day average positive test rate of 6 percent. 
 
 
Jan. 12: The county recorded 67 new cases and two deaths for totals of 3,681 and 166, respectively. The state reported 4,906 new cases, bringing that number to 422,474, and 67 deaths, for a total of 12,996.
 
BMC is down to 48 patients on precautions, three of those at Fairview, and one pending. Over the past week, has had 27 confirmed COVID-19 cases and there have been 67 deaths since March. 
 
Jan. 11: Positive cases continue to rise in the county with 71 reported on Monday for a total of 3,614, and one death bringing the count to 163. Pittsfield accounts for more than half the cases with 1,807 recorded Monday, but less than a third of the deaths at 49. 
 
The state recorded 4,239 new cases and 417,568 total, and 54 deaths for 12,929 total. The seven-day positive average rate is 7.26 percent. 
 
The number of hospitalizations has declined to just over 2,200 but there are 451 patients in ICUs and 285 who are intubated. The average age for hospitalization is at 73. 
 
BMC has seen a slight decline with 57 patients on precautions (three at the Fairview swing unit) and one pending tests. The hospital has had 64 deaths. 
 
National numbers are 22,540,969 cases and 375,373 deaths. 
 
First-responders began receiving the vaccine on Monday, with the Moderna vaccine distributed in North County. The majority of the public safety officials and EMTs are expected to be inoculated with the first shot by the end of the week. Reported about 75 percent of health-care workers at Berkshire Health Systems have been inoculated. 
 
 

 

 

 

1) Wash your hands frequently

2) Cover sneezes and coughs

3) Avoid close contact with people if you or they are ill

4) Don't touch your eyes, face or mouth

5) Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

 

Health Secretary Marylou Sudders demonstrates the correct way to wash your hands.

Cancellations, Closures & Changes 😷

Phase 3, Step One of state reopening began on July 6.

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.

July 21: Gov. Charlie Baker extended the pause on evictions and foreclosures for 60 days, until Oct. 17, 2020, through the authority granted to the governor by Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency, which was signed into law on April 20, 2020. 

 

• 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.

• Restaurants are open to outside dining and limited in-door dining; many are still offering takeout options. Bars are closed to on-premise consumption.

• Most performances, clubs, fundraisers still cannot be held.

• Indoor activities cannot exceed 25 people in a single enclosed, indoor space. This includes worship, movie theaters, museums and other cultural institutions.

• Fitness centers, health clubs, indoor recreational activities and personal services such as nail salons, barbers and hairdressers can open if abiding by masking, sanitation, social distancing and limited access.
 
• Most state programs are canceled and non-essential executive branch employees have been ordered to stay home.  

• Banks are currently open for drive-up, online banking, ATMs; some lobbies began opening on July 6. Check with your bank. 

• All groceries, pharmacies, department, convenience and other retail stores are open; masking and social distancing required. 

• Child-care centers open only for essential personnel. Visitation at nursing homes and medical facilities have been broadened although anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should avoid entering care facilities. 

• 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.

 

 

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.

Berkshire Health Systems also has page with upated information here.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center 

Southwestern Vermont Health Care has an information page with links to public health websites for area states. 

The COVID-19 hotline is staffed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is 802-440-8844.

 

Communities

North Adams COVID-19 updates has links to information and to subscribe to a daily email update.

Pittsfield's COVID-19 page has links to a daily update page and to subscribe for alerts

 

Other Information Sites

Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 617-983-6800

Vermont Department of Health: 802-863-7240

New York Department of Health: 888-364-3065

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: call 603-271-4496 (after-hours 603-271-5300)

U.S. Centers for Disease Control has information and latest updates.

 
Education Commissioner Pushed for Plan He Now Says Superintendents Favor
The commonwealth's commissioner of education may be overselling the grassroots desire to return to in-person instruction in comments he made earlier this week.
Baker Pauses Reopening, Ups Enforcement of COVID-19 Mandates
Citing what he termed a “new phase” in the commonwealth’s battle against COVID-19, Gov. Charlie Baker Friday announced a new set of initiatives designed to contain the spread of the novel...
Williams Tightens Safety Rules for Returning Students
Williams College on Thursday issued updated, more stringent regulations for students returning this month.
Governor Launches Mask Awareness Campaign After COVID-19 Outbreaks
House parties, camps and other large gatherings are being blamed for as contributing to "a slight but important rise" in positive cases in Massachusetts.
Pfizer Moves to Phase 3 COVID-19 Vaccine Trial
The Pfizer Andover research facility has more than 100 scientists and engineers manufacturing a key component for a vaccine candidate for COVID-19.
Mount Greylock Elementary Schools Have Capacity for Full Classrooms
The Mount Greylock Regional School District has room to welcome all its students back to its two elementary schools with six feet between desks, the district's interim superintendent said on...
Pittsfield School Committee Eliminates Full In-School Opening Plan
The School Committee agreed to eliminate a full in-school education model and asked the administration to continue developing a hybrid and remote model.
State Offers Testing in Agawam, Springfield as COVID-19 Rate Inches Up
A reported outbreak of COVID-19 at Springfield's Baystate Health coincided Monday with the commonwealth's plans to provide free testing to asymptomatic residents in two Western Massachusetts...
Governor Signs Order Requiring Travelers to Isolate 14 Days
The new travel order, outlined on the state's website, carries a $500 per day fine for anyone violating the rule, which goes into effect on Aug. 1.
Williams Welcomes Community Questions About Students' Return
Williams College President Maud Mandel said Wednesday that she is "optimistic" that students returning to campus in the fall will follow the protocols in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but...
Adams Selectmen Hear Updates On Town Buildings, Schools, Drought
The Selectmen heard updates from multiple department heads Wednesday night regarding current COVID-19 restrictions and how it's affecting their ability to serve the public.
Targeted COVID-19 Testing Set for 8 At-Risk Communities
People in Western Massachusetts, and the Berkshires in particular, frequently complain the region is being ignored by a state government headquartered at the other end of the commonwealth.
Baker Pushes Back on Federal Pressure to Open Schools
Gov. Charlie Baker Wednesday said he does not think it “makes sense” for a one-size-fits-all approach to reopening the nation’s public schools but stopped short of directly criticizing a presidential...
Massachusetts Moves Into Phase 3; Gyms, Museums Can Open
Fitness centers, movie theaters, museums and other enclosed venues will be able to reopen on Monday with restrictions and the number of people allowed in an indoor gathering is now raised to 25.
Massachusetts Lifting 14-Day Isolation for Certain Travelers
The state is welcoming travelers from surrounding states that have controlled the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Williams College Announces Plan for Return of Classes
Students will be allowed to choose to take the year off with no penalty, and the college has lowered the number of courses required in the 2020-21 fall and spring semesters with no impact on a...
State Issues Guidance for Return of School in the Fall
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on Thursday released its first round of reopening guidance for the commonwealth's primary and secondary schools.
Adams Reopening Parks Thursday With Several Restrictions
The past few weeks have seen on-site retail sales return and patio seating reopen, followed by a socially distanced form of inside dining for restaurants. Wednesday night the board, with guidance...
Report Finds 'Utterly Shameful' Conditions at Holyoke Soldiers' Home
An independent report on the outbreak COVID-19 at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke that cost the lives of 76 veterans is "gut wrenching" to read and "utterly shameful," said Gov. Charlie Baker on...
Baker Administration Pushes Testing, Rescinds COVID 'Standards of Care'
State officials Friday continued to praise Massachusetts for taking the steps that have lowered the rate of positive tests for COVID-19 and introduced new vehicles to advance the commonwealth’s...
Limited Indoor Dining, Nail Salons Can Resume on Monday
Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday morning said the second step in Phase 2 of Reopening Massachusetts would commence on June 22, allowing for some inside dining, close contact person services, fitting...
COVID-19 Testing Available for Anyone Who Was at Large Gathering
The governor's office made the announcement on Monday that 50 pop-up sites would be offering the free confidential tests on Wednesday and Thursday, July 17 and 18.
MassDOT Offering Municipal Grants to Outdoor Dining, Mobility
Towns and cities trying to aid businesses in reopening will have access to some $5 million in grants through the state Department of Transportation.
Berkshire Health Systems Initiates COVID-19 Antibody Testing
The testing is available through a blood test and only with a physician order. Interested residents can ask their primary care physician to submit an order to the BHS Laboratory for a test to be...
Small Classes, Plenty of PPE Advised School Reopenings
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued guidelines Friday on required sanitation supplies and safety for reopening schools this fall.
Massachusetts to Begin Phase 2 Reopenings on Monday
Gov. Charlie Baker gave the all-clear on Saturday to begin Phase 2 of reopening the Massachusetts economy on Monday as COVID-19 numbers continue to decline.
Tyer: City Preparing for Phase 2 Openings
Tyer said the city is doing its part to prepare businesses that will be allowed to open in this next phase with limitations and specifications. She said hotels, retail stores, various schools, some...
State Releases Guidelines for Childcare, Starts Allowing Family Visits to Nursing Homes
Commissioner of Early Education and Care Samantha Aigner-Treworgy and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders joined Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday at his daily press availability.
DPH Changes COVID-19 Reporting; Child Care, Camp Criteria Released
The number of deaths is also expected to rise with changes in the reporting of confirmed and probable cases of the novel coronavirus, according to the Department of Public Health.
Tyer Cautions Public Health Data Will Inform Phase 2 Reopening
She reiterated that the beginning of the next phase will be guided by public health data and said the governor announced this week that the state was past the "surge."
iBerkshiresTV: How Adams, North Adams Enter Phase 1
Host Tammy Daniels speaks with North Adams Mayor Thomas Bernard and Adams Town Administrator Jay Green about the city and town's preparations for reopening.
Mayor Tyer Asks Residents to Maintain Cautions Over Holiday Weekend
Memorial Day and the Fourth of July will be observed a great deal differently this year because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, especially the absence of parades.
iBerkshiresTV: Talking COVID-19 With Cheshire Officials
iBerkshiresTV host Jeff Snoonian speaks with Cheshire Town Administrator Edmund St. John IV and Health Inspector Christopher "CJ" Garner about how the town is coping with novel coronavirus...
Baker: Socialization Sacrificed for COVID-19 Safety
It's an example of how the state will have to navigate this new normal — giving up the physical and social elements of teamwork but keeping remote contact.
Springfield Bishop Sets Guidelines for Reopening Churches
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield is taking precautions in line with the state's reopening plan it begins to resume worship within its churches.
SVMC Earns Top Marks in Special Infection-Prevention Survey
"SVMC is always focused on safety and infection prevention," said Dr. Trey Dobson, SVMC's chief medical officer. “That has given us a good head start in making our facilities safe for patients...
Analysis: Data Drives Plan, Pace for Reopening Massachusetts
The officials responsible for the Reopening Massachusetts plan were united in one message on Monday: Massachusetts residents are responsible for the actual reopening.
Reopening Plan Sets Out Start Dates for Industry, Service Sectors
The "Reopening Massachusetts" plan lays out a four-phase road map to restart of the state's economy as it begins to recover from the global pandemic.
Berkshire Health Systems Further Reduces Call Line Hours as Usage Falls
Effective Sunday, May 17, the hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.
Baker Sets Goal of 75,000 COVID-19 Tests Daily by Year's End
Massachusetts has set the ambitious goal of processing testing for COVID-19 to 75,000 tests a day by the end of the year, at least seven times the number currently being done.
Berkshire, Statewide COVID-19 Trends Appearing to Decline
There are signs the Bay State may be turning the corner on the novel coronavirus that has so far caused more than 5,000 deaths in Massachusetts.
Baker Files Spending Bill Aimed at Accessing Federal Funds
Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday filed a supplemental budget bill to authorize about $1 billion to cover costs related to COVID
Governor Envisions Four-Phase Reopening to 'New Normal'
The four phases of "start, cautious, vigilant and new normal" are expected to begin on May 18 as the governor's reopening advisory board releases its recommendations and guidelines for safety...
Mayor Tyer: Pittsfield Making Progress Against Virus But Threat Remains
Tyer, during her weekly COVID-19 update on Pittsfield Community Television, said although there have been no new cases in three days, residents need to remain vigilant.
Pittsfield Board of Health Approves Emergency Order
The Board of Health has ratified the emergency order issued Friday requiring all food establishments to follow social distancing and facial covering protocols.
iBerkshiresTV: Allen Harris Talks Masks & COVID-19 Aid
iBerkshiresTV host Jeff Snoonian speaks with Allen Harris of Berkshire Money Management about the mask distribution BMM is sponsoring on Thursday.
Vermont Begins Relaxing Stay-Home Rules
"Play Smart and Play Safe" allows more outdoors socializing but with the caveat that people continue to maintain a 6-foot distance and gather in groups no greater than 10.
Starting Wednesday, Failure to Follow Face Mask Rule Could End in Fine
Under an executive order announced Friday that goes into effect on May 6, face coverings are mandatory throughout the commonwealth for anyone over the age of 2 who is unable to maintain a distance of...
Towns Shift Election, Town Meetings This Spring
For elections, town officials are encouraging voters to apply to receive mail-in ballots in order to protect the health of voters and ballot workers on election day.
State Officials Caution May 18 Not 'Magical' Reopening Date
State officials on Monday stressed that May 18 is not a "magical date" for reopening the commonwealth. Rather, the restart of economic activity will be a phased effort based on recommendations...