FYI, Massachusetts Education Commissioner Jeff Riley has issued new regulations requiring all public-school students age 5 and above and all staff to wear masks indoors while at school. All visitors are also expected to wear masks in school buildings. The regulations take effect immediately.
There were 23 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Berkshire County as of Wednesday, for a seven-day rolling average of 25.3 new daily cases – a 41 percent increase from two weeks ago. The Berkshire Eagle reports that there were no new deaths reported in the county, leaving the pandemic total at 302.

There were 1,400 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday across Massachusetts, according to the state. Massachusetts had 569 hospitalized patients on Wednesday, with three new deaths reported.

The confirmed COVID-19 caseload in Massachusetts since the start of the pandemic rose to more than 700,000 Wednesday as the delta variant spreads. All 40 Massachusetts state senators as well as their staff will have to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by mid-October. The mandate applies to about 250 lawmakers and staffers.

Free COVID-19 family vaccination clinics are taking place for ages 12 and older from 1 to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday at the Cummington Fair, at 97 Fairgrounds Road. No appointment is necessary. Masks will be provided if needed. The one-dose Johnson & Johnson and two-dose Pfizer vaccines will be offered.

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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