PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city will test sewage for COVID-19 at the wastewater treatment plant.
Mayor Linda Tyer announced in her weekly update Friday that the city will utilize a new method to monitor for the novel coronavirus: sewage testing.
"Research indicates that sewage testing analyzes epidemiological trends. We will have an early warning by detecting the resurgence of the coronavirus in the city’s sewage," she said. "We will be able to anticipate and respond rapidly and effectively to any possible new outbreaks even before positive test cases are identified."
She said the city is utilizing a Boston-based company called Biobot Analytics and have already conducted one of the two baseline tests.
In the fall and winter, it will test twice a month.
Tyer noted Richmond, Dalton, Hinsdale, Lenox, and Lanesborough also use the city’s plant.
The mayor also went through some quick updates and said since her last update there week before, there have been seven new COVID-19 cases in Pittsfield.
She reminded residents that although the public health data in the commonwealth is trending in the right direction, residents still need to adhere to state travel restrictions and guidance with cases spiking in many states.
She noted that the state is now in Phase 3 and will likely stay until in that phase for some time.
"We cannot afford to let our guard down," she said. "Phase 3 is expected to be with us for a while and phase 4 will not start until a vaccine to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is available or other proven forms of medical remediation is in place."
She did note residents and city businesses have adhered to state guidance. She said the Board of Health has been happy with people’s willingness to wear masks when unable to social distance.
During her videoed update the mayor also announced:
• The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a "Make your own summer of fun" line up in city parks. A list of the Board of Health approved activities can be found here.
Residents are also encouraged to send photos of themselves finding safe ways to enjoy the summer. These photos may be featured on Downtown Pittsfield’s social media platforms.
"It is a small thing that has a big impact ... lets keep finding those moments of joy," the mayor said.
• Earlier in the week, the governor signed an election law bill that expands mail-in and early voting options. Early voting for the September primary begins Aug. 22 and ends the 28.
Early voting for the November general election begins Oct .17.
All voters who want to cast an absentee ballot will be able to do so after filling out application that voters will receive by mail. These should be sent out on July 15.
• That residents should be aware of the mosquito-borne equine encephalitis virus. The governor detailed the state’s effort to address this virus after EEE and other like viruses after a case was found in Franklin County.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Marchetti: Pittsfield's Toter System Is a Good Change
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayor Peter Marchetti said the city needed to get on board with a new trash system before it was too late.
He shared information and reflections on the process with host Shawn Serre during Monday's episode of "One Pittsfield" on Pittsfield Community Television.
The city's 48-gallon toter system will roll out on Wednesday with the delivery of recycling containers for Friday routes and automated pickup begins two days later.
"I get it, this is changing the way that we've all done things, especially you and I. This is the way we've done things our whole entire life," Marchetti said to Serre.
"In fact, when I was a kid, the garbage man picked up your garbage at the back steps and put the pails back, right? So we don't have that anymore for obvious reasons and I think it's time to find new, innovative ways that have already been created for us to find the cash savings."
He explained that this isn't a new conversation for the city in "any way, shape, or form," since it goes back more than 15 years.
"We know that the cost of collecting trash and disposing of recyclables continue to skyrocket, and we need to find a way to make it through," he said.
"And we've been talking toters for a really long time in the city's history."
In 2018, after a series of community meetings for a toter proposal, former Mayor Linda Tyer trashed the plan that would have utilized 45-gallon containers for trash and 96-gallon containers for single-stream recycling.
She recognized that many still had "unresolved questions and concerns about the plan and its impact on the community."
Three years later, the City Council rejected a pay-as-you-throw proposal brought forward by (then President) Marchetti and Councilor at Large Earl Persip III. The program would have contracted with WasteZero, providing residents with 104 15-gallon bags free each year and any additional bags would be purchased for $1.50 per 30-gallon bag and $0.80 per 15-gallon bag.
Marchetti noted that this was "really not well received."
In June, the council approved draft five-year contracts with Casella Waste Management for the new trash system. It was a victory for the first-term mayor, who was able to push through in six months a new waste pickup model that had eluded his predecessors.
"It's the opportunity for the city to get on board before it's too late to get on board," he said.
Mayor Peter Marchetti shared information and reflections on the process with Executive Director of Pittsfield Community Television Shawn Serre during Monday’s episode of “One Pittsfield.” click for more
The Airport Commission last week approved a cleaner design that depicts a jet flying over a green mountainscape. It is a far cry from the former branding, which had more than 10 saturated colors.
click for more
Director of Community Development Justine Dodds said that there aren't enough resources or housing to go around and it's becoming increasingly challenging, especially with the limitations on some of these programs. click for more
The Polka Picnic features performances by the Eddie Foreman Orchestra, traditional Polish foods, and adult beverages. The Adams Lions Club will sell cookout fare, and Crumb Bakery will sell homemade treats. click for more