GB Convenes Health and Safety Officials to Form COVID-19 Response Group
Great Barrington health officials, emergency personnel, schools and partner organizations have established a collaborative group to plan and prepare for potential COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in the community.
“Our response group is laser-focused on the health and safety of our residents,” said Mark Pruhenski, town manager. “We are still in peak cold and flu season, and now we are on high alert for novel coronavirus.”
The town Health Department especially urges elderly residents, and those with underlying health issues, to avoid non-essential meetings or other gatherings and to keep a safe distance from others when out and about.
Anyone with flu-like symptoms—fever, cough, shortness of breath--should remain home.
If you believe you have been exposed to the COVID-19 and need of medical assistance:
- Call your primary care provider for guidance
- Before going a local hospital/emergency room, call the Berkshire Health Systems information line: 1-855-262-5465.
- If you are severely ill, call 911.
To stay as healthy as possible:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others; keep children home from school of they are sick.
- For more vulnerable people, avoid non-essential meetings, gatherings or events, and keep a distance from others.
The town’s COVID-19 response team met today and will meet regularly going forward. The group will review public health advisories on COVID-19, evaluate community risk and determine what additional precautions may be necessary.
This response group includes the emergency management director, town fire and police, town manager and assistant town manager, health agent, a representative from Fairview Hospital, superintendent of the Berkshire Hills Regional School District and the director of Southern Berkshire Ambulance.
Residents seeking the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 are urged to check periodically with:
Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Residents may also contact the Great Barrington Board of Health, rjurczyk@townofgb.org
____________________________
Ellen G. Lahr
Town of Great Barrington
413.329.3256
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