BHS Upgrades Respiratory Illness Alert to Moderate Level

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – As the Berkshire region experiences a heightened level of respiratory illnesses, Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has raised its Respiratory Illness Alert level to Yellow, or Moderate, triggering updated masking and visitation requirements, effective Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 7 am.

Respiratory illnesses are impacting a significant number of BHS patients, and the changes are being implemented to enhance safety for BHS staff, patients and visitors. 

Yellow signifies moderate activity and now requires masking for all BHS staff when in direct contact with patients. Any patients with symptoms should mask, and BHS asks that visitors who have any respiratory illness symptoms, postpone their visits, if possible. 

In the fall of 2025, Berkshire Health Systems implemented its three-tiered virus alert level system, which determines how the organization manages masking and visitor access, and whether staff, patients and visitors will require masking. The color-coded system is in effect at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, North Adams Regional Hospital and all outpatient centers, including BHS Physician Practices. 

"Respiratory illnesses have risen significantly in the community, and these changes are being implemented in order to help protect our patients, visitors and staff from the whole host of respiratory viruses circulating at this time of year, especially influenza, COVID-19, and RSV," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer. "Masking, regular hand washing, and social distancing are all key factors in helping to prevent the spread of these very harmful viruses, and we will be vigilant in our efforts to combat these illnesses."

The level of virus activity is regularly reviewed to determine what tier BHS facilities will be assigned. Signage will be posted at all facilities, the BHS website will be updated regularly to reflect the current tier, and masks will be readily available at all facilities. 

For more information, visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/virusalertlevel.

Riverside Public House Offers Warm, Friendly Atmosphere

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:45AM / Friday, January 09, 2026

Riverside opened on Depot Street with some interior changes and a new menu —with a few popular holdovers. 

DALTON, Mass. — A new restaurant is trying to fill the hole left by the iconic Dewey's Public House.

 

Robert Collins opened the Riverside Public House recently in the former pub.

 

Dewey's owner closed the restaurant in July to "prioritize his health and family," according to a Facebook post. 

 

"I was a longtime patron of Dewey's Public House, and I always admired the fresh food and the homestyle cooking and broad range of menu items that he always either had on his menu, or it was always evolving and changing," Collins said. "I felt like there was a hole in town that missed that farm-to-table/pub atmosphere in town."

 

Collins was able to negotiate with Joe Dewey to acquire the items inside the restaurant. He changed some things like the tables, lighting, and the menu, but still paid homage to some of the classics, like Dewey's Milltown Pizza.

 

He also plans to have some events with music and a special prime rib night.

 

"We started on Saturday nights having a prime rib special every Saturday. And basically we're just gonna go with it until it runs out. We fix so much prime rib, and when it's gone. It's gone," he said.