Great Barrington Urges Masks and Social Distancing

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Great Barrington Board of Health has amended its Public Health Advisory to urge residents, visitors, employers and employees to wear a mask and maintain proper social distance in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccine status.
 
The BOH also advises wearing masks while outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained
 
"While vaccination is vitally important to protecting against severe disease, vaccination is not the sole protection against COVID-19 and serious illness," said Rebecca Jurczyk, health agent for the town.
 
The BOH also recommends:
  • Increase ventilation in indoor spaces when two or more people are meeting.
  • Wear medical grade N95 mask when in indoor public settings and/ or around immune-compromised individuals.
  • Social distance and wash hands frequently.
  • Limit travel and gatherings, but if not possible, limit the size of the gathering.
  • Get tested prior to travel or gathering, and plan accordingly to receive results prior to travel.
 
At-home antigen tests are available over the counter and PCR tests are available with an appointment at local testing sites. If you test positive with a home test, contact the local Health Department for more information.
 
In addition, take measures to improve personal health and well-being, by taking care of mental health, getting exercise, managing sleep and contacting your medical provider with any health concerns.
 
Event planners or organizations hosting events are encouraged to consult with the Health Department to ensure appropriate precautionary measures are implemented.
 
Signage referencing this advisory can be requested through the Great Barrington Health Department.
 
Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Board of Health during business hours or at an upcoming Board of Health meeting.
 
Any questions may be directed to the Board of Health, (413) 528-0680.

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Fairview Lab Draw Station Moves to New Location

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that the Laboratory blood draw station at Fairview Hospital, called the Laboratory Patient Service Center (PSC), has been moved to the ground floor of the hospital.
 
The relocation to the former medical records space puts the PSC closer to the main entrance of the hospital.
 
The new area is designed to enhance patient privacy and patient comfort, according to Kathy Lavinio, outreach manager for Laboratory Services at BHS. 
 
"Located in the area that was previously Medical Records, patients no longer navigate an elevator and wait in the hallway for service. Now patients arrive at a waiting area that is spacious and light and receive care in one of two private bays," said Lavinio.
 
The project took over a year to complete, from planning and relocation of medical records to design and renovation, in compliance with regulatory standards. The PSC opened on April 29, 2024, ahead of schedule, thanks to teamwork and collaboration of the project leaders, noted Lavinio.
 
Mark Robert, administrative director of the BHS Laboratories, which oversees seven PSC's throughout Berkshire County, said, "This renovation and relocation is part of Berkshire Health Systems integrated care model, providing outstanding PSC standards at all of our locations across the system."
 
Patient response to the relocation has been very positive, with patients citing easier access for their blood draws.
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