PITTSFIELD â As the city marks the solemn one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are reflecting on the loss and hardship endured by so many during the deadly period. Daily COVID-19 infections are still being reported at a high rate, and variants are spreading across the globe. Medical experts are predicting that some of the habits we all picked up this year, like mask wearing, will carry forward into a ânew normalâ in society. But while health leaders continue to urge vigilance as efforts to contain the virus continue, many have found reason to focus on the glimmers of hope as vaccinations bring into sight the eventual recovery â Tyler Street business owners found bright spots amid the economic downtown, and health leaders say that some day, things like singing in church and shaking hands will return to the cultural sphere.