Signs of Spring are beginning to show, cabin fever has going stir crazy, and even with vaccines steadily rolling out COVID-19 fatigue is starting to get the best of us. The combination of those factors and a small uptick in positive COVID-19 numbers has some experts concerned.

Slow but steady progress in vaccinating residents of Berkshire County against COVID-19 will, in time, safegaurd against the most serious health risks, but local health offiials think it's worth noting that cases have been rising in Pittsfield. The city has 190 active cases of the disease, compared to 162 a week ago.

Berkshire County saw one new COVID-19 death as of Monday, for a new total of 266 deaths, with the confirmed case count up 20 to 4,998, the state Department of Public Health said. A week ago, the death total was 262 and the case total was 4,907. A month ago, the death total was 242 and the case total was 4,738. The DPH said 28 new deaths were reported in Massachusetts, pushing the statewide total to 16,339. Confirmed cases rose 1,004 to 569,620.
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Berkshire Medical Center released the following statement via social media yesterday:
We are all tired of COVID-19, but the pandemic is not over yet. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in our community has risen in the past week, so it's critical we remain #BerkshireTough.
As the weather improves, please remain vigilant. Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, get vaccinated when you are eligible, and especially avoid crowds and large social gatherings that can act as super spreader events.
Don’t forget that testing is free, easy, and accessible every day of the week at three locations in Berkshire County! (Call 1-855-BMC-LINK)

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

 

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