PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayor Linda Tyer is urging residents to be cautious this Labor Day weekend as COVID-19 cases in the city rise to levels seen in early August.
During her Friday address on Pittsfield Community Television, she said there have been 12 new COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks in the city.
"We are a lower risk community ... however this slight uptick in the positivity rate should be a warning to all of us," Tyer said. "We continue to battle a dangerous and highly contagious public health epidemic."
The mayor was referring to the state's COVID-19 community-level data map. Pittsfield has hit 2 for normalized cases per 100,000. Although still in the green low-risk category, Tyer asked residents to remain vigilant especially this Labor Day weekend.
"Please be safe," she said. "This is not the time to let our guard down ... avoid large gatherings, wear a mask, and social distance. Let's continue to do the right thing."
The city has had 221 total positive cases to date and six deaths.
Tyer also spoke to the state Department of Public Health's flu vaccine mandate for all children and said Berkshire Health Systems and the city's public health agencies are preparing for additional clinics.
In other comments, she congratulated U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey on their Democratic primary victories Tuesday and thanked the 10,000-plus Pittsfield citizens who voted.
"Thank you all who found a way to safely exercise your right and actively participate in our democracy," she said.
She said the unofficial number of votes cast is 10,707. This includes ballots sent in via mail.
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ex performed in pop up concerts throughout the city and the county this week as a special thank you for front line workers.
"Pittsfield is truly proud to be home of this momentous and cherished occasions," Tyer said. "I think it's time that we give Yo-Yo Ma and honorary residency in the city of Pittsfield."
Tyer also sent her condolences to the family of former Pittsfield Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died Tuesday at the age of 94.
"He was a beloved member of our community who generously shared his political wisdom with those of us who sought elected office," she said. "He had a great scene of humor and was a brilliant storyteller."
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Pontoosuc Under Public Health Advisory
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A blue-green algae bloom was confirmed on Friday at Pontoosuc Lake that may present harmful health effects for users of the lake.
The city has issued a health advisory as recommended by the state Department of Public Health for both people and pets.
• Do not swim.
• Do not swallow water.
• Keep animals away.
• Rinse off after contact with water.
Warning signs are being posted around the lake.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Massachusetts. These microscopic organisms are components of the aquatic food chain. In ordinary circumstances, cyanobacteria cause no apparent harm. However, warmer water temperatures and high nutrient concentrations may induce a rapid increase in their abundance.
This response is commonly called a "bloom" because algal biomass increases to the extent that normally
clear water becomes markedly turbid.
Harmful health effects from the bloom can result through skin contact with the algae tainted water, swallowing the water, and when airborne droplets are inhaled. Pets are especially prone to the health effects not only through skin contact, but also by ingesting significant amounts of the toxin by licking their wet fur after leaving the water.
Berkshire County Arc is celebrating 70 years of enriching the lives of those with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and autism. click for more