Berkshire County First-Responder Vaccinations Going WellWhen the COVID-19 pandemic hit, grant funds were re-purposed to purchase tents, tables, chairs, traffic control devices, traffic cones, sandwich boards with changeable letters, and a trailer to haul the items with the thought of using the supplies for traffic flow control during vaccination programs. Baker Lifts Stay-at-Home Order, Business CurfewBut ending the "curfew" and early closure for businesses like restaurants and movie theaters is possible because the state's key COVID-19 indicators are improving, Baker said. Mount Greylock Negotiating to Modify COVID-19 Agreement with UnionThe next regular meeting of the School Committee is Feb. 11, but it was clear from the public comments at the start of last week's meeting that some in the community are unwilling to wait until the middle of next month for a revision to the MOU that allowed classes to begin in September. Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19 at ServiceNet ShelterThe employee was asymptomatic and had not been to work since Wednesday of last week, Senior Vice President of Shelter & Housing Jay Sacchetti said. Pittsfield First-Responders Receive Moderna VaccinePolice Chief Michael Wynn said 70 percent of police personnel expressed interest in vaccination and another 5 to 10 percent were on the fence and decided to wait and see how their colleagues responded to it. SVMC To Hold Online COVID-19 Information SessionThe session will feature SVMC's Chief Medical Officer Trey Dobson and Bennington's Public Health Services District Director for the Vermont Department of Health Megan Herrington. City of Pittsfield Rolls Out New COVID-19 Vaccination Information HotlineThe hotline, which can be accessed by calling 413-449-5575. Williams College Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions Ahead of Spring TermThe bottom line: students will face tighter restrictions due to the nature of the winter season, the current spread of the novel coronavirus nationwide and the increase in the number of students planning to be on campus. Pittsfield Council Rejects Call to Refer Investigations of RestaurantsThe council last week rejected another petition from Ward 7 Councilor Anthony Maffuccio, this one requesting the Licensing Board review any alleged COVID-19 violations. Central Berkshire Regional School District To Remain RemoteAccording to a letter from Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis to Central Berkshire families, the district has decided to postpone returning to school. Adams Health Officer Blasts Parks Board Over Little League AllegationsThe Board of Health endorsed a report from Code Enforcement Officer Mark Blaisdell stating that the Parks Commission's allegation that the Little League did not enforce mask-wearing during its season was baseless. Pittsfield Licensing Board Continues Hearings on MethuselahCohen, a city councilor at large, had been warned and fined $1,000 for noncompliance with the state's COVID-19 regulations. Cohen has denied violating the pandemic rules and appealed the fine. Small Businesses Face Friday Deadline to Apply for State GrantsState officials Thursday encouraged small businesses across the commonwealth to beat a Friday midnight deadline to apply for COVID-19 relief grants. Baker Defends Phased Approach to Vaccine DistributionOn the day that he announced the start next week of statewide distribution to residents and staff at congregate care facilities, Baker pushed back against the idea that "regular people" are being unfairly excluded in the commonwealth's phased approach to vaccinations. Pittsfield Remains High Risk for COVID-19 TransmissionPittsfield remains a red-level community as the city struggles to recover from the spike of COVID-19 cases that occurred in early November. Over the last three days, case counts have plateaued and Mayor Linda Tyer hopes that this is the beginning of the decline. North Adams Health Board to Caution Eateries Over Virus CasesThe Board of Health on Tuesday rejected the idea of putting further restrictions on local eateries despite a cluster of positive COVID-19 cases linked to restaurants. Teacher's Positive COVID Test Prompts Closure of Williams' Children's CenterWilliams College has closed its Children's Center until next Tuesday following a positive COVID-19 test for a member of its faculty. North Berkshire First-Responders Getting COVID-19 VaccineNorth Berkshire first-responders will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Monday at St. Elizabeth's Parish Center. State Program Will Allow Schools to Conduct 'Pool Testing' for COVID-19Massachusetts schools will have the ability to conduct "pool" testing of staff and students for the novel coronavirus under a program announced Friday on Beacon Hill. Springside Rehab Celebrates COVID-19 Vaccination DayOn Thursday Springside Rehabilitation residents and staff received their first round of COVID-19 vaccinations Adams-Cheshire Schools To Go Fully Remote For Two WeeksSuperintendent Aaron Dean released a newsletter to families Friday morning indicating that the district will go fully remote starting Monday, Jan. 11. State Extends COVID-19 Capacity Limits for Two More WeeksGov. Charlie Baker on Thursday announced that the commonwealth will extend restrictions on businesses that went into effect on Dec. 26 through at least Jan. 24 in an effort to stem Massachusetts' second surge of COVID-19 cases. North Adams Cumberland Farm Closed by Virus ExposureThe Cumberland Farms at Hodges Cross Road will closed at least a few days for cleaning after an employee tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Berkshire Athenaeum Offers Expanded Services for BookwormsThe Berkshire Athenaeum is offering a slate of newly adjusted library services including a personalized reading service called "Picked4You," children's book bundles, and an increased collection of wifi hotspots available for loan. North Adams Schools May Remain in Remote Learning for NowThe School Committee voted at its December meeting to anticipate a potential rise in cases because of holiday gatherings and close the school buildings until Tuesday, Jan. 19, the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. But with the seven-day average positive test rate now more than 3 percent that return date may not be possible. |
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