GB Updates and Amend Town Public Health Advisory

The Great Barrington Board of Health has amended and updated the Covid-19 Public Health Advisory issued on Dec. 14, 2021.

The Board of Health wants to emphasize the importance of public health preventative measures during the winter season, particularly with gatherings occurring indoors.

Additionally, the Board of Health recognizes that vaccination is seen as vitally important to protect oneself against severe disease, vaccination cannot be viewed as the sole barrier for the community against COVID-19 infection or disease.

Therefore, all residents, visitors, employers, and employees should wear a mask and properly social distance while indoors in public settings, regardless of vaccination status.

This Advisory also includes the recommendation of wearing a tight fitting mask while attending outdoor events where social distancing cannot be maintained.

• Please keep the following in mind during the 2022 winter season:
• Increase ventilation in indoor spaces when two or more people are meeting.
• Wear a tight fitting, medical grade or N95 Mask (or two masks) when indoors and/ or around immune-compromised individuals.
• Limit travel or gathering. If not possible, limit the size of the gathering.
• Get a test prior to travel or gathering. Please plan accordingly to receive results prior to travel. At home antigen tests are available over the counter and PCR tests are available with an appointment at a local testing site. If you test positive with an At Home Test, please contact the Health Department for more information.
• Physical distancing (6ft or greater) is especially important in indoor settings and should be maintained. Please remember to avoid touching your face and also wash hands frequently.

Consider taking measures to improve your well-being, for instance; increase awareness regarding your personal mental health, make healthy food choices, frequent moderate level exercise, be respectful of your circadian rhythm, and consult with your physician to make well informed choices.

Event planners and/ or any organization of large indoor and outdoor gatherings that are open to the public are encouraged to consult with the Health Department to ensure appropriate precautionary measures are implemented.

Signage referencing this advisory can be requested through the Great Barrington Health Department. Should you have any questions or concerns, please follow up with the Great Barrington Health Department or come to our next Board of Health meeting.

This Advisory and the status thereof will be reviewed routinely at Board of Health Meetings. 

This Advisory shall take effect immediately.