Berkshire Medical Center is not accepting homemade masks at this time. Several groups on Facebook have been discussing a grassroots effort to make the masks and sharing patterns but Michael Leary, director of media relations for Berkshire Health Systems said, "we are not accepting any donations yet as our supplies are stable right now."

 

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. 

 

"This certainly may be an option for us in the near future. We are making a list of all who have made this generous offer and keeping in touch with them directly," he said. 

 

There is no data on if homemade cloth masks work in any to prevent contagion it is recommended to use them in combination with a full face shield. The CDC considers them a "last resort" because their "capability to protect [health care provider] is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option."

 

The city of Pittsfield has set aside 13 "Grab and Go Zones" near concentrations of restaurants in the downtown to faciliate curbside pickup and delivery vehicles. The zones will be marked with blue and white "Food Pick-Up Priority" and be able to accommodate two vehicles. These zones will be free parking for up to 5 minutes to ensure customer turnover and social distance. These zones are for areas that have minimal to no parking but restaurants that wish their locations to be assessed for zone can call 413-499-9330 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

 

Charter Communications is offering the Showtime and Epix premium channels at no additional charge to Spectrum TV customers who do not currently receive those channels from Monday, March 23, through Sunday, April 19.

 

"We hope that by expanding these programming options it will provide even more hours of entertainment for our customers in these challenging times," said Tom Montemagno, executive vice president of programming acquisition for Charter.

 

 

Richmond Consoliated School has included West Stockbridge residents in its grab-and-go free lunch plan. Contact tjervas@richmondconsolidated.org or call 413-698-2207, Ext. 124, the night before and leave a message stating how many lunches are needed and the delivery address if you do not have transportation. Pickup is from the kitchen behind the school from 9:30 to 9:30 a.m. weekdays. Those requiring assistance for food or shopping can call 413-232-0300, Ext. 300, for help in finding assistance. The annual Richmond town caucus has been postponed. 

 

 

The Meal Ministry at All Saints Episcopal Church in North Adams has canceled the April 5 meal delivery. The church hopes to resume meals in May. 

 

 

Town offices will operate with essential staff on premises only from 9 to 1 Monday through Thursday via phone or email; the Community Development Office will operate remotely only through voicemail and email. The Adams Free Library is closed completely; parks are open but people are urged to remain at least 6 feet apart and be in groups of less than 10. 

 

North Adams Departments Working Remotely