New Bedford Census Help Centers accessible by phone

New Bedford, Massachusetts– While there have been many changes during the COVID-19 state of emergency, the importance of filling out the 2020 Census remains a top priority to ensure New Bedford is counted in the federal census. The New Bedford Census Help Centers have gone virtual, and will now be […]

Port of New Bedford, Southcoast Health partner to pilot COVID-19 testing for commercial fishing industry

New Bedford, Massachusetts– The Port of New Bedford has partnered with Southcoast Health to pilot targeted COVID-19 testing for workers in the commercial fishing industry and others, beginning with commercial fishermen on the New Bedford waterfront Friday. Using the Southcoast Mobile Health Van, testing began Friday afternoon for fishing crews […]

Greater New Bedford Community Health Center expands COVID-19 testing capability

New Bedford, Massachusetts– The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center will expand its COVID-19 testing capability by establishing an outdoor testing location at its downtown health center. The state has designated community health centers across Massachusetts, including the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, as expanded testing sites. Those experiencing […]

City to distribute 50,000+ masks made by Joseph Abboud to vulnerable residents and frontline workers

New Bedford, Massachusetts–The City of New Bedford will distribute more than 50,000 masks manufactured at Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation in the City’s North End to New Bedford’s vulnerable populations and frontline workers to protect against the spread of COVID-19. New Bedford has ordered a total of 53,000 cloth masks from […]

Mayor Jon Mitchell and City Council President Joseph Lopes announce reductions in capital improvements

New Bedford, Massachusetts– As the economy reacts to the disruptions caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, Mayor Jon Mitchell and City Council President Joseph Lopes together have propose reductions to the City’s capital improvement plan for Fiscal Year 2021. The economic disruptions have caused the City to anticipate a […]

New Bedford’s 2020 Memorial Day parade cancelled, virtual memorials planned

New Bedford, Massachusetts– New Bedford’s 2020 Memorial Day parade, scheduled for Monday, May 25, has been cancelled due to social distancing measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The parade is New Bedford’s annual tribute to those lost in service to their country, and the City will hold […]

Due dates extended for certain City bills amid state of emergency

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Due to the state of emergency declared citywide and statewide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has provided municipalities with the ability to provide relief to taxpayers by extending deadlines for city bills and taxes. New Bedford has extended several important deadlines: The due […]

City, United Way partner in Help United – the Greater New Bedford COVID-19 Response Fund

Christian Farland to chair fundraising effort New Bedford, Massachusetts– In Greater New Bedford, residents are already feeling the impact of COVID-19. Many local businesses have closed or moved to reduced hours, workers are either out of work or struggling to find childcare, and schools have been closed until May. It’s […]

New Bedford to require employees working with the public to protect themselves and others with masks or face coverings

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell and the New Bedford Board of Health have acted to protect workers and customers at essential businesses, announcing new requirements to ensure the use of masks by employees while interacting with the public. Under the City’s order, all essential businesses operating under the state’s […]

New Bedford announces establishment of two regional care centers for COVID-19

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell, Southcoast Health President and CEO Keith Hovan, and representatives of Essex Group Management Corporation today announced two Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Care Centers in New Bedford for those recovering from COVID-19. This week, the City entered into leases with the owner of two former nursing […]