BHS Implements Color-Coded System for Respiratory Illness Measures

10:27AM / Wednesday, October 08, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — In anticipation of the expected rise in respiratory illness during the fall and winter seasons, Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has implemented its three-tiered virus alert level system, which will determine how the organization manages masking, visitor access, and testing and whether staff, patients and visitors will require masking.

The fall and winter seasons are expected to see a rise in the number of cases of Influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, North Adams Regional Hospital and BHS Physician Practices. The three- tiered system, which indicates a Green, Yellow or Red status, will determine the level of masking required at all BHS facilities and became effective October 3, 2025, until there is a significant reduction in respiratory illnesses, usually in late March. The current level is Green.

A Green level will indicate a low activity for respiratory viruses and would allow for voluntary masking and a request that those who are symptomatic mask when in a BHS facility. Yellow signifies moderate activity and would require masking for all staff when in direct contact with patients, masking for those with symptoms and voluntary masking for all others. It would also limit visitation to those over 18 years of age. Red tier would mean a high level of virus activity and result in required masking for all healthcare professionals, patients and visitors, additional limits on visitor access, and universal testing of all inpatients at BHS hospitals.

The level of virus activity will be reviewed weekly to determine what tier BHS facilities will be assigned. Signage will be posted at all facilities, the BHS website will be updated regularly to reflect the current tier, and masks will be readily available on-site.

"Berkshire Health Systems is committed to implementing preventive measures to help curb the level of COVID-19, flu and RSV in our community," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer. "Masking, regular hand washing, and social distancing are all key factors in helping to prevent the spread of these very harmful viruses and we will be vigilant in our efforts to combat these illnesses."

For more information, visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/virusalertlevel.

Tags: BHS, BMC,

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Pittsfield: No E-Bikes on Sidewalk

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:33AM / Wednesday, October 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The city will place signage downtown to remind people that e-bikes are not allowed on the sidewalk.

On Monday, the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee heard an update about e-bike enforcement in response to a petition from Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn.

Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales confirmed that under Massachusetts law, it is illegal for any motorized bicycle, regardless of the class, to ride on the sidewalk.

"So, at this point, we will start installing some signage in the North Street area," he reported.

"Doing so for the whole city is going to be very cumbersome, and we're not going to be doing that, but I think there's something to be done in terms of education and outreach and enforcement citywide for that."

Pittsfield has begun to develop what that signage will look like in the downtown corridor. Amuso has received many complaints about the North Street and Elm Street areas; Morales said they could work to locate some key spots on Elm Street for signage.

"I know it's a citywide problem, but I think if we start on North Street and work our way out and come up with a plan, that would be good," she said.

The councilors petitioned to increase enforcement of bicycle and e-bike use on Pittsfield streets, install signage in high-traffic areas, and launch an educational program for kids.

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