Berkshire Health Systems Updates Visitation Policies

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As the most recent COVID-19 surge continues and following guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Berkshire Health Systems has updated its Visitation Policies for Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital and BMC and Fairview Physician Practices, effective Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. 
 
In most cases, the policy limits visitation to one care partner for non-COVID-19 inpatient units and allows limited window-separated visits for COVID-19 inpatients. The detailed policy can be found online at www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/coronavirus.
 
For the Emergency Departments, non-Critical Care and Critical Care Units and Medical Surgical Units, one care partner is allowed with adult non-COVID-19 patients. For adult COVID-19 patients in non-critical care units, no visitation is allowed unless a designated exception applies, and video visits will be made available. Patients in Critical Care with COVID-19 are permitted two care partner/visitors per day viewing through a window for up to 30 minutes and video visits can be arranged.
 
For non-COVID-19 pediatric patients, two parents/guardians/care partners are allowed, and for COVID-19 pediatric patients, one parent/guardian/care partner is permitted.
 
In the Family Birthplace at BMC and Fairview, one designated birth partner is allowed at all times. If the expectant mother has COVID-19, the designated birth partner may stay in the patient's room.
 
There are no visitors allowed in the Behavioral Health units unless there is a designated exception. A family meeting can be arranged with a behavioral health provider and video visits can be arranged.
 
Non-COVID-19 patients coming to the hospital for outpatient testing and services can have one care partner accompany them. Those with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or test should contact their provider to determine if an in-person visit is recommended, and if so, no one may accompany the patient to the office or testing/service location. These guidelines also apply to physician practices, the BMC Cancer & Infusion Center and other ambulatory services.
 
For more information, visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/coronavirus.

Tags: BHS,   BMC,   COVID-19,   


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Pittsfield Cannabis Cultivator Plans Dispensary

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD. Mass. — A cannabis cultivator and manufacturer has opted to sell its products on site in Downing Parkway. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals this month approved a special permit for J-B.A.M. Inc. to operate a dispensary out of its existing grow facility. There will only be changes to the interior of 71 Downing Parkway, as there will be less than 500 square feet of retail space in the 20,000-square-foot building. 

"My only concern would be the impact, and really would be traffic, which I don't think is excessive, the odor, if there was one, but that doesn't seem to be an issue, and I think it's a good location for a marijuana facility," board member Thomas Goggins said. 

The company's indoor cultivation site plan was approved in 2019, an amendment to add manufacturing and processing in 2021, and on the prior day, a new site plan to add a retail dispensary was approved by the Community Development Board. 

J-B.A.M. cannabis products are available in local dispensaries. 

The interior of the facility will be divided to accommodate an enclosed check-in area, front entrance, retail lobby, secure storage room, offices, and two bathrooms. There are 27 parking spaces for the facility, which is sufficient for the use. 

No medical or recreational cannabis uses are permitted within 500 feet of a school or daycare, a setback that is met, and the space is within an industrial park at the end of a cul-de-sac. 

"The applicant desires the restructuring of the business to be more competitive in the industry with the ability to grow and sell their own cannabis products so they have more financial stability," Chair Albert Ingegni III, read from the application. 

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