New Bedford, Massachusetts– The New Bedford Health Department has issued fines to Iglesia Pentecostal Levantate y Anda totaling $1,800 after an isolated outbreak of COVID-19 caused by the independent storefront church’s failure to comply with the City’s COVID-19 regulations and protections for its residents.

The 1710 Acushnet Avenue church has been fined $1,800 for failure to comply with workplace safety standards under the state’s guidelines for places of worship, exceeding its occupancy limit, failure to notify the Health Department of an employee testing positive for COVID-19, failure to communicate with employees regarding symptomatic employees, and failure to report COVID-19 at the location to the Health Department.

Violation orders were issued Wednesday, September 9, to Jose Martinez, the pastor of the Iglesia Pentecostal Levantate y Anda in the amount of $1,800.

Earlier this year, Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Board of Health announced emergency orders to keep employees safe at their place of work, and to outline reporting requirements of COVID-19 in the workplace. The orders include strong measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces.

Businesses will be subject to fines for failure to comply with the City’s orders, including failure to protect employees and failure to notify the Health Department of an outbreaks. The orders can be found on New Bedford’s COVID-19 webpage: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/covid-19-news-2/.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Board of Health have updated New Bedford’s strong public health measures to protect senior living facilities, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.

Under an updated emergency order in effect August 24, visitation is allowed by appointment only and a daily log must be maintained at these facilities, with contact tracing steps included. All nursing home and long-term care facility visits must also comply with the state’s guidance.

The update also allows for several large housing units to be utilized for in-person voting for the upcoming election, as some are designated polling places in the city. Precautions including compliance with state mandates and city regulations around social distancing, the use of masks and/or face coverings, and strict hygiene and sanitation requirements, must remain in effect.

The strong public health measures first announced on April remain in place. Senior living facilities and nursing homes conduct regular wellness checks of all residents including phone calls or door checks, depending on the type of facility, and notification to the Health Department and resident’s emergency contact if there is an inability to confirm the resident’s wellness. Mandatory stringent hygiene and sanitation precautions remain in effect.

Masks and social distancing required

City Hall open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday starting August 10

New Bedford, Massachusetts– New Bedford City Hall will reopen on a limited basis beginning Monday, August 10, 2020, in order to provide in-person services at the Treasurer’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, and Elections Office, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Sixth Street entrance will be the only public entrance to the building.

Access will be strictly limited to three first-floor offices: the Treasurer’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, and Elections Office, as these three offices conduct bill and tax payment and vital records and licenses for city residents. No appointment is needed for general inquiries and document requests at these three offices. Residents should call ahead to these or other city departments with any questions.

Clear directions will be in place to allow for safe social distancing in the building. Strong health and safety requirements will be in place at City Hall to protect residents and employees. In addition to mandatory mask use and social distancing, physical barriers have been installed to ensure the safety of visitors and city employees. Department staff have been trained on best practices to promote health and hygiene, and the building is being sanitized frequently.

Due to the pandemic, residents are still encouraged to pay any bills by mail, by phone, or online whenever possible. Payments can be made online at the City’s website, www.newbedford-ma.gov, and selecting ‘Pay Bills’ directly on the home page. To mail payments, residents can use the mailing address printed on their bills or mail their bills directly to the City Treasurer at the following address:

City Hall – Treasurer’s Office

133 William Street, Room 103

New Bedford, MA 02740

The City is committed to keeping all residents informed of the latest news. Follow the City’s social media pages, including Mayor Jon Mitchell’s and the City of New Bedford’s Facebook pages, tune in to New Bedford Cable Access on Channel 18, and visit the City website at www.newbedford-ma.gov for regularly updated news.

City departments other than Treasurer’s, City Clerk, and Elections, are still doing business by phone or online. No other city office is open to the public in-person at this time.  Residents are encouraged to contact other city departments for any services they need.

City of New Bedford – Department Phone Numbers

Assessor: 508-979-1440

Cemetery: 508-979-1550

City Clerk: 508-979-1450

Council on Aging: 508-991-6250

Election Commission: 508-979-1420

Fire (non-emergency): 508-991-6124

Health: 508-991-6199

Inspectional Services: 508-979-1540

Police (non-emergency): 508-991-6300

Traffic: 508-979-1766

Trash: 508-979-1520

Treasurer: 508-979-1430

‘Pop-up’ neighborhood events also announced 

New Bedford, Massachusetts–MaskNB, an initiative announced earlier this year by Mayor Jon Mitchell in partnership with the Southeastern Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation, announces additional mask distribution in July and August with more drive-through distribution events at the three New Bedford middle schools’ parking lots.

Distribution of free masks as part of MaskNB began in May and has continued with more than 52,000 masks provided to New Bedford residents.

Walk-up distribution events in several neighborhoods are also planned for neighborhood residents.

The ward-based distribution will continue by an organized drive-through system for cars, observing social distancing, in the New Bedford middle schools’ parking lots. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors.

Any resident who is unsure of the Ward in which they live may visit wheredoivotema.com and enter their address. This website provides polling location, and the first information noted is the Ward in which the resident lives. Residents do not need to be registered voters to use this online tool.

Continuing Ward-Based Mask Distribution at City’s Middle Schools

Under the MaskNB distribution plan, interested residents in each of the City’s six Wards will have an opportunity to obtain free cloth face masks on the following assigned dates in these locations:

  • Wards 1 & 2

    Saturday, July 18 – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Normandin Middle School, 81 Felton Street (use Orleans Street entrance)

  • Wards 3 & 4

    Saturday, August 1 – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Boulevard

  • Wards 5 & 6

    Saturday, August 8 – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Roosevelt Middle School, 119 Frederick Street

    Neighborhood Level Walk-Up Mask Distribution

    Four neighborhood walk-up distribution events are planned in neighborhoods across New Bedford for residents of those neighborhoods only. These smaller distribution events will be held at pop-up tents and observe social distancing in public spaces across the city on the following assigned dates in these locations:

  • Riverside Park– Tuesday, July 7 – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Ashley Park– Tuesday, July 21 – 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Serenity Gardens– Thursday, July 30 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Loretta Bourque Park – Thursday, August 13 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon

Additional dates may be announced based on available supplies.

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the MaskNB initiative on May 14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the wearing of cloth face coverings in public where social distancing is difficult to maintain; cloth face coverings are not a substitute for medical-grade masks, but provide more protection against the spread of viruses than not covering one’s face. More information about the use and effectiveness of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– The Traffic Commission reminds motorists using metered parking spaces that enforcement of parking meters resumes Monday, June 29.

Metered parking enforcement was suspended when restaurants and retail stores closed in-person dining and shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic, until the reopening of indoor dining in New Bedford.

Governor Charlie Baker announced the resumption of indoor dining effective Monday, June 22, and following that announcement metered parking will be enforced beginning next Monday, June 29.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– The New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches reminds residents that certain areas at city parks are marked as designated grilling areas, and that grilling is not allowed in other sections of the parks.

Social distancing is encouraged as New Bedford continues to combat the coronavirus. Special event permit applications are required for grilling in parks under 5 acres, and for events of more than 25 people. This summer, permitted events in parks have been cancelled due to the spread of the coronavirus.

The Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches thanks residents for their responsibility when grilling. Grilling is not allowed on beaches, nature trails, or athletic fields – only in the designated areas within the city’s parks.

Residents using grills in the parks are asked to be attentive and use caution with nearby children in the park, and be courteous to other parks users.

Only those 18 years or older may grill in the parks. There are no open, ground or campfires allowed and fires must be at least three feet off the ground. Grills are not allowed on picnic tables or benches, and no flammable materials may be disposed of in trash barrels, including empty fuel containers. All trash must be removed from the site before leaving. Charcoal should be deposited in the hot coal bin.

For a list of designated grilling areas in parks, please visit www.nbprb.com.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell has appointed members of the Commission on Police Use of Force Policies that was announced last week after his signing of the Obama Foundation’s “Mayor’s Pledge,” which included the formation of the commission to review the police department’s policies on the use of force.

The following individuals were named to the Commission:

  • City Councillor Brian K. Gomes (Chair), Chair of the, City Council Committee on Public Safety
  • John G. “Buddy” Andrade, Director of the Old Bedford Village Development Corp.
  • Marcus Brito-Barros, an organizer of the Black Lives Matter protests in New Bedford
  • Helena DaSilva Hughes, Executive Director of the Immigrants Assistance Center
  • Chuck DiChiara, Massachusetts Police Training Institute
  • Hon. Armand Fernandes, retired Associate Justice, Massachusetts Trial Court
  • Gail Fortes, Executive Director of the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts
  • Rev. Ramiro Monteiro, International Church of the Nazarene, New Bedford
  • Deputy Chief Paul Oliveira, New Bedford Police Department
  • Marcelina Pina-Christian, Chair of the New Bedford Human Relations Commission
  • Rita Ribeiro, retired New Bedford Police Department sergeant and School Committee member for Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
  • Maria Rosario, Executive Director of Northstar Learning Center
  • Bruce Rose, former President, New Bedford Branch of the NAACP
  • Robert Schilling, criminal defense attorney
  • Andrea Sheppard Lomba, Director of United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts
  • Peter Silva, designee of the New Bedford Branch of the NAACP
  • Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sowa, Bristol County District Attorney’s Office
  • Hank Turgeon, President of the New Bedford Police Union
  • Noah Williams, New Bedford High School Class of 2017 alumnus and current student at Georgetown University

Last week, Mayor Mitchell announced he had signed on to the Mayor’s Pledge, which is aimed at addressing use of force policies in police departments across the country and calls on mayors across the United States to commit to the following four actions:

  1. REVIEW your use of force policies.
  2. ENGAGE your communities by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in your review.
  3. REPORT the findings of your review to your community and seek feedback.
  4. REFORM your communities police use of force policies.

The Commission will seek input from city residents, review current policies of the police department, and provide a set of recommendations to Mayor Mitchell and Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro on appropriate reforms to police department policies and practices. The Commission will report out its recommendations by August.

“I’m grateful to the members of the commission for agreeing to review the police department’s use of force policies and provide recommendations on modernizing these policies,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “In announcing the establishment of this commission, I noted that New Bedford has a history of tolerance and understanding, but we must continue to strive for improvement for the benefit of all our residents.”

Through MaskNB initiative, City of New Bedford

offers free masks to all city residents who want them

New Bedford, Massachusetts– MaskNB, an initiative announced by Mayor Jon Mitchell in partnership with the Southeastern Massachuestts chapter of the American Red Cross and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation, will continue mask distribution this weekend, June 13 and 14, at New Bedford High School’s parking lot.

Distribution began in May and has continued with thousands of masks provided to residents of Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4. The distribution of cloth masks at no cost to City residents continues with Ward 5 and 6 residents this weekend, as the distribution is organized by Ward. The distribution will be done through an organized drive-through system for cars, observing social distancing. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors (who have been advised against leaving their homes).

  • On Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 5 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 5 includes most of the West End of New Bedford, including the neighborhoods around Buttonwood Park, Hawthorn Street and its intersecting streets to the north and south, Orchard Street south to Thompson Street, and the neighborhoods around Rural Cemetery and St. Luke’s Hospital.
  • On Sunday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 6 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 6 includes the South End of New Bedford, including the entire South End peninsula from Cove Street south to Fort Taber, as well as County Street and its intersecting streets south of Rivet Street, and neighborhoods around Ashley Park and Goulart Square.

Any resident who is unsure of the Ward in which they live may visit wheredoivotema.com and enter their address. This website provides polling location, and the first information noted is the Ward in which the resident lives. Residents do not need to be registered voters to use this online tool.

Under the MaskNB distribution plan, interested residents in each of the City’s six Wards will have an opportunity to obtain free cloth face masks at New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, on the following assigned dates and times:

  • Ward 5             Saturday, June 13 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Ward 6            Sunday, June 14 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Distribution of masks to Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4 took place over the last two weekends. The dates are listed at www.masknb.com. Additional dates may be announced based on available supplies.

Residents should arrive at the main vehicle entrance of New Bedford High School, located at 230 Hathaway Boulevard, and remain in their vehicles as Red Cross volunteers hand out masks based on their requests. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors (who have been advised against leaving their homes).

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the MaskNB initiative on May 14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the wearing of cloth face coverings in public where social distancing is difficult to maintain; cloth face coverings are not a substitute for medical-grade masks, but provide more protection against the spread of viruses than not covering one’s face. More information about the use and effectiveness of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– The City of New Bedford’s Office of Housing and Community Development will hold a community forum to discuss the best use of federal funding to improve the quality of life for New Bedford residents specifically related to preventing, preparing for and responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The public meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and can be accessed live on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the following web address:

ZOOM MEETING

Meeting ID: 918 4297 6905

Password: 253364

Telephone Access: 1-646-558-8656

This public meeting is hosted by the City and designed to gather critical input from New Bedford residents.  The public input will assist the City in formulating its strategy in the utilization of federal funding to address needs and priorities in the areas of public services, community services, homelessness resources and economic development.  Input from the community is integral in shaping the priorities of these federal programs.

The City of New Bedford anticipates receiving  $1,624,151 in Community Development Block Grant COVID (CDBG-CV) and $805,424 In Emergency Solutions Grant COVID (ESG-CV) funding for the purpose of serving low and moderate income residents and neighborhoods in Fiscal Year 2019 which runs from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming virtual public meeting and share their thoughts as to how the City may best allocate its supplemental federal funding intended to address our current public health crisis.

The public meeting will include a brief presentation by the City’s Office of Housing & Community Development staff, including results from an assessment conducted as to needs and priorities for CDBG-CV and ESG-CV funding.  Information about the application process through an RFP will also be presented.

The meeting will be an excellent opportunity for citizens to voice their opinions about how the City can best use its federal money to improve the quality of life in New Bedford and to suggest specific programs or activities needed to address and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions regarding this public meeting may be directed to the Office of Housing & Community Development staff at OHCD@newbedford-ma.gov.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– The New Bedford Health Department, working closely with the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is again this year conducting an annual monitoring program to track the potential threat from EEE and WNV carrying mosquitoes.  Under the program, mosquito traps are put in place to collect pools of mosquitoes and mosquito populations are monitored throughout the summer months.

As part of the mosquito tracking program, the New Bedford Health Department will request that the BCMCP target key areas of the New Bedford for spraying, including public parks and locations that host large public events.

As such, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will conduct targeted ground spraying for mosquitoes early in the morning every Thursday beginning June 11, through late September. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the spraying will occur in the early hours of Friday mornings. The spraying will target areas including Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Common Park, Ashley Park, the Poor Farm area, and the downtown area.

Spraying will take place between 2:00 am and sunrise on Thursday mornings, weather permitting; inclement weather will lead to sprayings on Friday mornings.  Residents in the vicinity of the targeted areas may wish to close their windows this evening prior to the spraying.

The same precautionary measures are advised for EEE, WNV, and the Zika virus.  These include the following:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

 

  • Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – While mosquitoes are out at all hours of the day, their peak biting times are from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors.

 

  • Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 

  • Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label.  DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

 

  • Drain Standing Water – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.