BHS Downgrades Respiratory Illness Alert to Low Level

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As the Berkshire region experiences a reduced level of respiratory illnesses, Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has downgraded its Respiratory Illness Alert level to Green, or Low Level, triggering reduced masking requirements, now effective.

Green alert reflects a low level of respiratory illness for COVID-19, RSV, Influenza and other respiratory illnesses. As a result, masking is welcome for the public and staff but voluntary; visitors must mask if symptomatic and care partners and visitors are all welcome; and providers will test patients if they are symptomatic.

In the fall of 2025, Berkshire Health Systems implemented its three-tiered virus alert level system, which determines how the organization manages masking and visitor access, and whether staff, patients and visitors will require masking. The color-coded system is in effect at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, North Adams Regional Hospital and all outpatient center, including BHS Physician Practices.

"Respiratory illnesses in the community have lessened, and we will continue to review the level each week and are committed to protecting our staff, patients and visitors from influenza, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory viruses," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer.

The level of virus activity is regularly reviewed 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 these preventive measures to help curb the level of respiratory illnesses 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.

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

 

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road. 

 

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said. 

 

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said. 

 

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said. 

 

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said. 

 

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.