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UPDATE 3-17-20: GB COVID-19 RESPONSE

Posted on: March 12, 2020 - 2:47pm
Graphic virus

UPDATED March 16, 2020


Today the Town has again updated its policies and procedures to reduce residents’ risk of exposure to, or transmission of, the COVID-19 virus.

  • Town buildings remain open for now, but all programming/classes will be suspended until further notice. Non-essential town board meetings are suspended and virtual/online participation may soon be implemented
  • The Claire Teague Senior Center will discontinue congregate meals effective immediately. Seniors in need of a meal will be provided a pre-packaged meal for pickup, as available. Contact the Center one day in advance to arrange for pick-up: (413) 528-1881
  • The Great Barrington Libraries will remain open but the Children’s Rooms will be closed. Visits to the library are limited to 20 minutes and public computer access will remain limited to 1-hour.
  • We encourage residents to pay taxes online, or use the newly installed tax bill drop box in front of Town Hall. There is no additional fee for online payments when paying by check.
  • As of today, the town is stepping up its use of the CodeRED alert system, so residents and those who work in town are asked to register or update their CodeRED emergency notification registration. Make sure that cell phones, home phones, email and text alerts are enabled. Visit townofgb.org to sign-up or text gbalert to 99411 to get the app. Duplicate CodeRED registrations will be automatically deleted, so there’s no harm in registering again.

  If you have problems registering, email: ksmith@townofgb.org
  • Residents are asked to use the 2-1-1 number for updated statewide information regarding the state-level actions

The Town reminds residents and businesses to abide by the Massachusetts State of Emergency Order by limiting gatherings to no more than 25 and prohibiting on-site consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants.


Finally, and stay home if you are sick to prevent spread of COVID-19 in our community.

MARCH 12, 2019

In response to the Massachusetts State of Emergency announced this week the town has stepped up preventive actions to help reduce residents’ risk of exposure to, or transmission of, the COVID-19 virus.

The town has taken the following steps, effective immediately:

·         Suspending non-essential meetings of town board and committees until further notice.

·         Suspending SELECT classes and fitness activities at the Claire Teague Senior, but the Center remains open for community meals and routine appointments with Center staff. Call ahead to see if your class is still happening: (413) 528-1881.

·         Lifting the town’s ban on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles until April 30, 2020, at which time the measure will be reviewed.

·         Discouraging residents from hosting or attending larger public or private gatherings.

The town will make efforts to ensure that essential town meetings will be televised by CTSB-TV, so that residents can remain informed without attending in person, said Town Manager Mark Pruhenski.

Cancelation graphic

Meanwhile, the town continues to urge residents to be diligent with personal hygiene, avoid contact with those who may be sick and generally keep a social distance from others.

Town Hall will remain open to provide essential services to residents at this time. However, the town encourages residents to make payments for taxes or other town bills at the town website, https://www.townofgb.org/home/pages/online-payments.

The town will continue to update residents with information on the town website, social media and traditional media outlets.

Earlier this week, the town announced the formation of a COVID-19 response group that is meeting regularly to evaluate public health information and determine any initial steps needed to protect residents from the COVID-19 virus to the best extent possible.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms—fever, cough, shortness of breath--should remain home. But if you believe you have been exposed to the COVID-19 and need 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.
  • Avoid non-essential meetings, gatherings or events, and keep a distance from others.
  • Assist elderly or medically vulnerable friends and neighbors to the best extent possible while keeping yourself safe and healthy.

The town’s COVID-19 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