 Pittsfield Seeing Decrease in Average Rate of COVID-19 CasesThe positivity rate is now 16.8 percent, down from 18.1 on Jan. 17. That metric was close to the pandemic's highest positivity rate of 19.2 that occurred in early April 2020. SVHC Schedules Kids' COVID-19 Vaccine ClinicNo appointment is needed and walk-ins are welcome. SVHC COVID-19 Resource Center Schedule ChangeTesting will resume as scheduled at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22. New State Program Will Let School Districts Distribute At-Home COVID-19 TestsThe at-home testing program is designed to replace the commonwealth's "test and stay" program, which was created to allow in-school testing of asymptomatic close contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Adams Board of Health Continues to Mull Mask MandateAs COVID-19 cases rise throughout the county following the holidays, the Board of Health continues to consider the possibility of a mask mandate and other potential restrictions.  Pittsfield Hospitalization Rates Not Spiking During Omicron SurgeDuring a COVID-19 update at Tuesday's City Council meeting, Director of Public Health Andy Cambi reported that there are 25 people hospitalized at Berkshire Medical Center for the virus and that a large number of these patients are unvaccinated. State Launches COVID-19 Digital Vaccine Card ToolThe new tool, called My Vax Records, allows people who received their vaccination in Massachusetts to access their own vaccination history and generate a COVID-19 digital vaccine card, which would contain similar vaccination information to a paper CDC card.  State Orders 26M Rapid Tests, Changes Guidance on PCR TestingThe announcement comes in tandem with an advisory from the state Department of Public Health affirming the accuracy of the rapid-result antigen tests and "clarity" surrounding the need for PCR tests at overwhelmed testing centers around the state. COVID-19 Closes Two Grades at North Adams Elementary SchoolCases of COVID-19 among staff at Colegrove Park Elementary School is causing the closure of one grade for the week and remote learning for another. School Mask Requirement Extended to Feb. 28DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley on Monday alerted school districts that that masking would continue to at least Feb. 28 and possibly beyond that, pending changes in pandemic guidelines. Williams College Not Seeing Severe Illness Associated with Spike in Positive COVID-19 TestsAnd the school's positive test rate, while still at one of its highest points during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains well below the positivity rate for Berkshire County, the Board of Health learned on Monday morning. SVHC Makes Change to COVID Resource Center HoursThe center will no longer take appointments for COVID testing. Pittsfield COVID-19 Numbers Higher Than Ever BeforeThe number of people being tested daily for COVID-19 by Berkshire Health Systems has almost doubled as the omicron variant surges through the state.  Pittsfield Closes Taconic, Reid Because of Staff ShortagesTaconic High School and Reid Middle School will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 6, and Friday, Jan. 7, because the schools do not have enough staff to open. Both schools are anticipated to reopen on Monday but families will be notified by Sunday. Hinsdale Select Board Member James Sullivan Dies of COVID-19Town Administrator Bob Graves said he was a '"dedicated member of our community who attended everything and got involved in the town."  Berkshire Health Systems Updates Visitation PoliciesIn most cases, the policy limits visitation to one care partner for non-COVID-19 inpatient units and allows limited window-separated visits for COVID-19 inpatients. Virus, Departures Have North Adams School Staffing 'On the Edge'Adding pressure to the staffing, School Department has more than two dozen openings including teachers, paraprofessionals and substitutes.  Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative Holding Additional Vaccination ClinicsA clinic will be held in Pittsfield on Saturday, Jan. 8, and a Williamstown clinic will be held on Friday, Jan. 14. Dalton Town Hall Won't Reopen Until Case Count Drops to 25There are more than 100 cases in the community with almost 70 occurring in the last seven days. Williams College Sees COVID-19 Numbers SpikeThe college already last week announced measures to help mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus in anticipation of this weekend's return of students to campus. Governor Says Schools Will Remain OpenBaker said some 2,200 schools were participating in some way with the state's testing system and that more than 450,000 school days had been saved through the work of school and public health officials. Pittsfield COVID Cases Increase After HolidayThe average daily case rate per 100,000 people is 75.9 and the percent positivity rate is 6.4. Pittsfield has remained in the red incidence rate since November.  Second Community COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic ScheduledThe clinic will provide Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, including first or second doses for those 5 to 11, Pfizer boosters for those 16 to 17, and first, second or booster doses to eligible adults.  BHS Vaccine Centers Phasing Out Johnson & JohnsonAnyone who is currently scheduled for a J&J vaccine or booster at a BHS Testing and Vaccine Center on or before Jan 5 will have the option to receive the J&J vaccine as scheduled or can receive a Pfizer or Moderna dose instead. Great Barrington Urges Masks and Social DistancingEvent planners or organizations hosting events are encouraged to consult with the Health Department to ensure appropriate precautionary measures are implemented. |
