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BHS In the Community

BHS Providing Expanded COVID-19 Testing for Participants in Large Gatherings
June 15, 2020 For Immediate Release BHS to Provide Free COVID-19 Testing for Non-Symptomatic Participants in Large Gatherings: Testing Centers to Be Open Extended Hours Wednesday and Thursday for Community Service PITTSFIELD & GREAT BARRINGTON, MA – Berkshire Health Systems, as part of Governor Baker’s newly announced initiative to conduct expanded COVID-19 testing in the wake of recent large gatherings, will provide free COVID-19 testing for non-symptomatic participants in such gatherings across the Berkshires. Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital will establish special, extended hours at its COVID-19 testing locations on Wednesday, June 17th and Thursday, June 18th to accommodate the expected increase in testing. BHS is making registration for the testing easy, with continued access to its toll free hotline, where individuals who want to be tested can be given a physician’s order and appointment at either BMC or Fairview. The two testing locations will have expanded hours this Wednesday and Thursday for this special testing, with the drive-thru tents open from 12 pm to 7 pm. Appointments and the physician order can be attained for either location by calling the BHS COVID-19 Hotline, 1-855-262-5465. The State of Massachusetts has expanded the testing to include individuals who have participated in recent large public gatherings due to the challenges to follow social distancing in such settings. As a result, participants in these events are considered to be possibly at increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19. The free testing is designed to help continuing efforts to slow or stop the spread of the virus in Massachusetts. The State of Massachusetts will cover the cost of the testing for each individual. Berkshire Health Systems’ testing centers are located: • At Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, a drive-thru tent has been established behind the Crane Center for Ambulatory Surgery, with access on Seymour Street. • At Fairview Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation facility at 10 Maple Avenue, Great Barrington, where a drive-thru tent has been set up on the east side of the building. Both locations will be open from 12 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday and Thursday for this special screening.