Statement from Mayor Linda Tyer on Coronavirus Concerns in the City of Pittsfield

As information about the coronavirus continues to evolve, we recognize our community’s growing concerns about this global situation. We know that there are many messages about the coronavirus and what that means for Pittsfield.

Here are the facts: there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the City of Pittsfield and the risk continues to remain low for coronavirus cases in Massachusetts, per the Massachusetts Department of Health.

The City of Pittsfield continues to seriously monitor these developments, and today (March 3) a core team of city and school officials met to discuss the city’s coronavirus preparedness plans. As part of this strategic effort, Pittsfield will continue to firmly adhere to guidelines and protocols about the coronavirus, which have been established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mass DPH. We are also working closely with members of our regional public health network, including the Berkshire County Board of Health Association and the Pittsfield Board of Health, to monitor and plan appropriately as more information becomes available.

It is important to remember that the risk for the flu remains high. It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Mass DPH recommends the following precautions that will help to prevent against the flu and other viruses, including the coronavirus, include the following:

 Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

 Avoid touching your eyes and face.

 Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.

 Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

 Stay home when feeling sick.

To stay up to date with comprehensive and accurate information, we encourage you to visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health, and the https://www.cdc.gov/