Pittsfield Suspends Table Service, Reins in Activities as COVID Cases Surge

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has suspended all indoor dining and shifting back the Step 1 of Phase 3 in the state reopening process after a surge in COVID-19 cases. 

Since Oct. 22, there have been 169 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city. These cases have been directly attributed to large get-togethers in restaurants and large private gatherings held in residences and attended by individuals from multiple households.

"We have reached a point of crisis in our city that impacts our entire community. The number of COVID-19 cases have grown exponentially over a very short period of time," said Mayor Linda Tyer said in a statement. "Based on our current case rates and using the state's new calculations to determine risk, Pittsfield has moved into the red category, making us a high-risk community. We need to take aggressive action now to get us back on the right course and reverse this alarming trend."

On Thursday, the Pittsfield's COVID-19 Task Force identified several immediate actions to slow the spread of the virus in the city because of the number of new positive COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in Pittsfield. There are also growing levels of concern for the potential of further community spread. 

Beginning Friday, Nov. 13, the following actions will take effect:

• Today, Thursday Nov. 12, Pittsfield Board of Health issued an emergency order suspending table service at city restaurants until further notice.

• Local eateries will still be allowed to provide take-out and delivery service. Patrons should feel free to utilize the city's temporary "grab-and-go" zones for food pickup, which were installed this past spring throughout the downtown. These designated areas offer free and time limited space to allow for quick customer turnover and social distancing.

• Pittsfield Public Schools will transition to all-remote learning through Friday, Dec. 4.  Current elementary, middle, and high school schedules will be followed.

• Meals will be available tomorrow for children 18 and under. They can be picked up

Conte Community School, 200 W. Union St.
Morningside Community School, 100 Burbank St.
Allendale Elementary School, 180 Connecticut Ave.
Egremont Elementary School, 84 Egremont Ave.

For more information, visit pittsfield.net.

The Board of Health is issuing an emergency order to shift to Step 1 of Phase 3, which means reduced indoor capacity for all venues and closing of fitting rooms. 

• Indoor gatherings at private residences is 10.
• Outdoor gathering limit for private residences is 25 people.
• Indoor gatherings at event venues and other public spaces is 25.
• Now that Pittsfield is high-risk, outdoor gatherings are now reduced to 50.

For more information on sector specific guidance, visit www.mass.gov/reopening.

Municipal buildings will be closed to the general public. Community members can visit the city‘s website, www.cityofpittsfield.org, to manage their business needs.

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