BHS Updates Visitation Guidelines

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As the Berkshire region continues to see an increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19, Berkshire Health Systems has updated its visitation guidelines for all of its facilities, effective Tuesday, Dec. 15.

This change is for Berkshire Medical Center and its Hillcrest and North Adams Campuses, Fairview Hospital and BMC and Fairview Physician Practices. Community spread of COVID-19 has risen dramatically since the end of October, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions and positive cases.

BHS continues to provide safe comprehensive patient care services, both inpatient and outpatient, and these new visitation restrictions are designed to help maintain a safe environment for BHS staff and patients. The guidelines below are the same as enacted at Berkshire Medical Center on Dec. 3, but now include all other BHS facilities and are:

·         Medical/Surgical, Critical Care, Progressive Care, Behavioral Health, Rehab, Family Birth Center and Pediatrics: No visitation

·         Emergency Department: No visitors in the department, including the lobby

·         End-of-Life Circumstances: Based on individual circumstances

·         Ambulatory surgery/Endoscopy/Crane Center: A companion can drop off patient, leave the building and return to pick up patient and receive discharge instructions if needed

·         Physician Practices: One companion/caregiver can accompany the patient to his or her appointment

·         No visitation for patients suspected of or testing positive for COVID-19

Although visitation is restricted at this time, there are certain exceptions for designated support persons such as:

·         1 Birth partner

·         1 Parent of a child 18 or under at a time

·         1 Designated support person for patients with intellectual, cognitive, or physical disabilities

·         1 attorney

·         End of life companion in approved circumstances

All designated support persons will be required to:

·         Only enter through the main entrance or ED

·         To be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure

·         Sign in, show ID and be given a visitor badge

·         Always wear a mask

·         Must go directly to the patient's room

·         Perform hand hygiene before entering and leaving the patient's room

·         Remain in the patient's room during their entire visit

·         Always maintain a 6-foot distance from patient if possible

·         Do not eat or drink in the patient's room

For more information on visitation guidelines and the coronavirus in Berkshire County, please visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/coronavirus.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.