NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city's allotment of free COVID-19 rapid tests are available are now available through several partner organizations.
North Adams received about 4,500 tests through the state's rapid test access program. Gov. Charlie Baker announced last week that 2.1 million iHealth Labs over-the-counter, at-home rapid antigen tests would be distributed to 102 communities with the highest percentage of families below the poverty level.
North Adams was among those municipalities selected along with Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, Great Barrington, Hinsdale, Mount Washington, Peru, Pittsfield, Savoy, West Stockbridge and Williamstown.
These free tests are available for distribution to the public by each municipality, with an emphasis on increasing access for individuals and families who are facing financial hardship.
The North Adams Health Department has provided test kits to the following organizations and sites to distribute to qualified patrons:
North Adams Council on Aging/Mary Spitzer Senior Center
North Adams Housing Authority
Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC)
Flood House
Tests also are available for the residents of the following housing sites through their respective management offices:
Brayton Hill
Holy Family Terrace
Mohawk Forest
St. Joseph's Court
Rock Manor/Willow Lane
Tunnel Brook
Wheel Estates
The test kits contain two tests and are limited to one per household. The individual obtaining the tests will have to sign for them at their prospective distribution site.
COVID-19 rapid tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, that can protect individuals by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19. The Board of Health and Mayor Thomas Bernard strongly recommend that all community members continue to follow evidence-based mitigation strategies and public health guidance to limit the risk of infection and community spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants.
This guidance includes following local and state mask advisories, practicing physical distancing, limiting gatherings, staying home and avoiding close contact if you are sick, following isolation and quarantine directions from your health-care provider, and getting your COVID-19 vaccination and booster.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site.
'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.
The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.
'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday
A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.
Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10
A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.
Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.
Friday
Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more.
Mass Kids Lit Fest
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road.
Waste treatment plan supervisor Brad Furlon warned the Finance Committee last week to expect a future 500 percent increase in sludge disposal.
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The fund had grown immensely over the past 25 years, raising some $1.75 million during that period. But the 1960s would see the fund grow even more in both fundraising and the agencies it supported. click for more