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Berkshire Venues Welcome Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions

This is a picture of Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Jim Levulis
/
WAMC
Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Berkshire County cultural organizations are responding to news that Massachusetts is relaxing some COVID-19 restrictions in parts of the state.

Governor Charlie Baker said Tuesday that performance venues in communities showing a low risk for coronavirus will be allowed to expand attendance. Indoor and outdoor venues can now open at 50% capacity, with a 250 person limit. Hancock Shaker Village Director Of Communications Amanda Powers says the Pittsfield institution is thrilled to hear the news – but it will still exercise caution.

“To be honest with you, we’re probably not going to change a whole lot," Powers told WAMC. "We’ll have more people if we have a concert, for example, but we are still going to be spacing people as recommended at least six feet apart.”

The relaxed restrictions for lower risk communities will also allow stores to reopen fitting rooms, and gyms, libraries, museums, driving and flight schools to increase their capacity to 50%. According to the state, the limit for indoor gatherings in all communities remains 25.

Josh Landes has been WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief since February 2018, following stints at WBGO Newark and WFMU East Orange. A passionate advocate for Western Massachusetts, Landes was raised in Pittsfield and attended Hampshire College in Amherst, receiving his bachelor's in Ethnomusicology and Radio Production. His free time is spent with his cat Harry, experimental electronic music, and exploring the woods.
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