Uncategorized Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Health Department - City of New Bedford Official Website

New Bedford, Massachusetts–Mayor Jon Mitchell announced Saturday that the City of New Bedford will follow and implement the second phase of Governor Charlie Baker’s reopening plan, which allows for additional sector reopening on Monday, June 8.

The plan includes sector-specific guidance for businesses and operations permitted to reopen with guidelines during the second phase. The Governor’s plan may be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts.

New Bedford’s restaurant reopening advisory group, co-chaired by City Planner Tabitha Harkin and local businessman and restaurateur Stephen Silverstein, has released guidelines outlining outdoor dining which begins in Massachusetts including New Bedford on Monday, June 8, available at https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/city-guidance-on-reopening-of-dining-establishments/. Restaurant reopening begins with outdoor dining and appropriate social distancing.

For city dining establishments, the reopening and outdoor dining process includes an expedited Outdoor Cafe permitting process, with easy-to-follow guidance to comply with the state’s public health and safety requirements. The permit is also available at https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/city-guidance-on-reopening-of-dining-establishments/. This is a simple, quick process intended to ensure restaurants and dining establishments are able to proceed with outdoor dining easily, while protecting the health and safety of workers and patrons.

Playgrounds will also reopen with social distancing on Monday, June 8. Outdoor recreation including youth and adult sports leagues and golf facilities reopen with the state’s guidelines on Monday, June 8. Retail businesses and close contact personal services also reopen Monday, June 8, with state guidelines. Detailed questions may be directed to the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches.

Details on reopening in New Bedford are available at https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/coronavirus/. The page will be updated as further details to the Phase 2 reopening announcements are made by the state.

COVID-19 rates of transmission have declined in Massachusetts, and more recently in New Bedford. The potential for transmission of COVID-19 remains real, and mask-wearing and social distancing remain in effect in order to protect the health and safety of all residents. All residents are urged to continue to follow city, state, and federal guidelines to ensure they protect themselves, their families, and others. New Bedford’s total positive COVID-19 cases as of June 6 stand at 1,970 cases, with 81 total fatalities in New Bedford due to COVID-19. Current information on COVID-19 trends may be found on the city’s website: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/coronavirus/.

For more information on the status of reopening in New Bedford and other important news, visit the COVID-19 page on www.newbedford-ma.gov. For information on the masks available to any New Bedford resident who wants one, visit www.masknb.com.

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 6 and 7, at New Bedford High School’s parking lot.

Distribution began last week, with thousands of masks provided to residents of Ward 1 and Ward 2. The distribution of cloth masks at no cost to City residents continues with Ward 3 and 4 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 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 3 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 3 contains many central areas of the city including the neighborhoods around New Bedford High School, the neighborhoods on and around Hathaway Road, most of Sawyer Street and its intersecting roads, and the neighborhoods off Mount Pleasant Street between Austin Street and Nauset Street.
On Sunday, June 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 4 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 4 is located in the center and south of the center of the city, including the downtown area, most of the streets between Elm and Parker Street, including Kempton Street east of Rockdale Avenue and its intersecting streets, and the neighborhoods to the south of the downtown, along Purchase Street south to Rivet Street.

Residents of Ward 5 and Ward 6 may pick up masks the weekend of June 13 and 14.

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 3 Saturday, June 6 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 4 Sunday, June 7 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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.

Ward 1 and Ward 2 distribution took place last weekend. 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– Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that the City of New Bedford will establish a restaurant reopening advisory group, co-chaired by City Planner Tabitha Harkin and local businessman and restaurateur Stephen Silverstein, owner of The Black Whale and founder of Not Your Average Joe’s.

“When restaurants reopen in New Bedford, we want to ensure they can do so safely and profitably,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I’m grateful to Steve Silverstein, Tabitha Harkin, and the reopening group comprised of business leaders and industry professionals for their willingness to provide their expertise and recommendations to the City as we look toward our next steps in reopening our local economy.”

On May 18, Governor Charlie Baker announced his plan to reopen the Commonwealth of Massachusetts “to methodically allow businesses, services, and activities to resume, while avoiding a resurgence of COVID-19.” On May 21, Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that the City of New Bedford would follow and implement the first phase of Governor Charlie Baker’s reopening plan, with adjustments warranted by the current risk level of disease transmission in the city and region, including for large workplaces and houses of worship.

Based on the Governor’s announcements about forthcoming phases in the reopening process, guidelines around the reopening of businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industry are expected to be announced as part of the second phase of reopening. New Bedford’s restaurant reopening group will make recommendations to the Mayor about how to implement the reopening of restaurants in the city so that guests and workers can remain safe, and local business owners can operate profitably while ensuring safe and healthy conditions at their establishments.

Once the state’s guidelines on reopening restaurants in Massachusetts are released, Mayor Mitchell will announce how New Bedford’s restaurants will reopen, based on the state guidelines and the recommendations of the working group. This will include how New Bedford restaurants will be able to operate, including outdoor dining adjustments, social distancing measures and enhanced hygiene protocols for dining establishments.

The state’s reopening plan can be found at www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts. As the Governor made clear, his reopening decisions are based in part on the progress the state has made in lowering the number of new positive cases and the positive test rate.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of the virus in New Bedford has remained different from that of the state as a whole. Current information on trends in New Bedford may be found on the city’s website: www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/coronavirus/.

Through MaskNB initiative, City of New Bedford

offers a free mask to any resident who wants one

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 begin mask distribution this weekend, May 30 and 31 at New Bedford High School’s parking lot.

The distribution of cloth masks at no cost to City residents begins with North End 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, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 1 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 1 contains most of the far North End, roughly the area of the city located north of Tarkiln Hill Road.
On Sunday, May 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 2 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 2 contains most of the near North End, roughly the area of the city located north of Coggeshall Street and south of Tarkiln Hill Road.

Residents of Ward 3 and Ward 4 may pick up masks the weekend of June 6 and 7.

Residents of Ward 5 and Ward 6 may pick up masks the weekend of June 13 and 14.

Ward 1 Saturday, May 30 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 2 Sunday, May 31 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 3 Saturday, June 6 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 4 Sunday, June 7 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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.

The dates are listed at www.masknb.com. Additional dates may be announced based on available supplies.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and based on federal, state and city guidelines, the New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches Kennedy Summer Day Program will be cancelled for the summer of 2020.

Staff from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches will be in contact with those who have already submitted a payment for the 2020 session of the Kennedy Summer Day Program in order to issue full refunds.

The Summer Food Service Program and other family programming will continue to be offered throughout the city in accordance with social distancing and hygiene guidelines.

Beach passes available for New Bedford residents

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced this week that New Bedford’s beaches will follow the state’s guidelines, reopening May 25 with additional guidelines.

At New Bedford’s beaches, only New Bedford residents will be able to purchase a beach pass until further notice. Social distancing measures will be enforced, with no beach volleyball or other organized sports permitted.

Public restrooms at the beach will be closed until further notice.

Beach parking passes will be sold on-site at Fort Taber Park (cash only) and with credit/debit card only at www.nbprb.com, under Register Now, Beach Parking Information.

A pop-up beach parking pass sale will be held on Friday, May 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. outside the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, 181 Hillman Street. Cash, credit/debit cards will be accepted. Masks must be worn and social distancing and hygiene protocols will be observed.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that the City of New Bedford will follow and implement the first phase of Governor Charlie Baker’s reopening plan, with adjustments warranted by the current risk level of disease transmission in the city and region.

On Monday, Governor Baker announced his plan to reopen the Commonwealth of Massachusetts “to methodically allow businesses, services, and activities to resume, while avoiding a resurgence of COVID-19.” The plan sets forth three phases of reopening, along which the state will proceed in light of health data trends.

The plan includes sector-specific guidance businesses, worship services, recreation, municipals services and other activities. The Governor’s plan may be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts. As the Governor made clear, his reopening decisions are based in part on the progress the state has made in lowering the number of new positive cases and the positive test rate.

The state of the virus in New Bedford is different from that of the state as a whole. There have been fewer positive COVID-19 cases in New Bedford per capita than most cities in the Northeast, but the number of new positive cases and hospitalizations have been relatively flat – that is, not declining – and the rate of positive tests is higher than the rest of the state. Current information on these trends may be found on the city’s website: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/coronavirus/.

The current rate of disease transmission in New Bedford warrants additional precautions, especially with respect to indoor settings with the potential for large gatherings, where the risk of transmission is relatively high. Of particular concern are industrial facilities. Because traditional industry represents a larger portion of Greater New Bedford’s economy than the state as a whole, and given that the city has witnessed disease spread in industrial facilities which have remained open, the City will continue to enforce its order concerning industrial facilities, which was issued by Mayor Mitchell and the Board of Health on May 6. That order establishes hygiene, social distancing and employee screening requirements, and reporting mandates that are stricter than the state’s new directive for manufacturing facilities. (The orders concerning the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and the reporting requirements are attached.)

Churches and other houses of worship likewise have the potential to hold large numbers of people. The state’s reopening plan includes useful guidance on social distancing in church services, and establishes a cap on attendance in houses of worship equal to 40% of permitted capacity. Given the potential for large gatherings in some congregations that utilize large facilities despite the cap, the city will establish a lower cap for larger houses of worship. Attendance at worship services in the city will be capped at 40% of permitted capacity, or 100 people, whichever is lower. In any case, all houses of worship are strongly encouraged to promote social distancing, maintaining at least six feet between families at all times.

The details of the remaining activities allowed to resume during Phase I of the state’s reopening plan are set forth below.

Mayor Mitchell remarked, “The governor’s approach to reopening the state is a sound one, as it is grounded in reliable data about the current rate of transmission of the coronavirus in Massachusetts and the relative risk of outbreak associated with the activities that are allowed to be resumed. While it is important for the cities and towns to take a uniform approach to implement the governor’s plan to avoid confusion and unfair competition, the reality is that not every region of the state is experiencing the disease in the same way. Here in New Bedford, we are adopting additional, reasonable precautions given that, unlike the rest of the state, we have yet to see a consistent decline in new cases.”

Reopening New Bedford: Phase 1

For operations permitted to reopen May 18

Manufacturing & Industrial Operations: As noted above, earlier this month, Mayor Mitchell and the Board of Health laid out important requirements to protect all workers at large workplaces in New Bedford. As manufacturers reopen in New Bedford, they will be required to enforce social distancing, perform regular cleaning, designate a health and safety officer for COVID-19, and conduct temperature checks of all workers at the start of each shift to protect workers. The City will continue to enforce its orders regarding large workplaces, copies of which is attached.

Construction: New Bedford will follow the state’s guidelines concerning construction, reopening May 18. The state requires construction operations to enforce social distancing, properly disinfect workplaces, and obtain self-certification from employees that they haven’t experienced symptoms or been in close contact with those who are positive for COVID-19. In-home installations and home remodeling can begin following the state’s guidance on social distancing and cleaning, starting May 18.

Places of Worship: New Bedford will follow the state’s guidelines concerning places of worship, reopening May 18, but with additional guidelines. The state has announced that no more than 40% of the building’s maximum capacity as documented in its occupancy permit may be allowed to attend worship services. In New Bedford, as noted above, the cap will be at 40% of capacity or 100 people, whichever is lower.

For operations permitted to reopen May 25

Parks, Trails & the Blue Lane: Parks, trails and the Blue Lane in New Bedford have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with social distancing measures enforced. Based on the first phase of the state’s reopening, that won’t change – New Bedford’s parks will remain open, with social distancing. Specifically, playgrounds, basketball courts and soccer fields will reopen at a later date.

Beaches: New Bedford will follow the state’s guidelines concerning beaches, reopening May 25, but with additional guidelines. At New Bedford’s beaches, only New Bedford residents will be able to purchase a beach pass until further notice. Social distancing measures will be enforced, with no beach volleyball or other organized sports permitted. Public restrooms at the beach will be closed until further notice.

Beach parking passes will be sold on-site at Fort Taber Park (cash only) and with credit/debit card only at www.nbprb.com, under Register Now, Beach Parking Information. The City will also conduct a pop-up beach parking pass sale on Friday, May 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. outside the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, 181 Hillman Street. Cash, credit/debit cards will be accepted. Masks must be worn and social distancing and hygiene protocols will be observed.

Buttonwood Park Zoo: Based on the state’s announcement, the Buttonwood Park Zoo will reopen on May 30. The Zoo will operate under regular business hours but on an adjusted schedule from Wednesday through Sunday only, until further notice. Tickets for time-based admission will be sold online in accordance with state guidelines at www.bpzoo.org. Social distancing protocols and reduced capacity of visitors will be observed in accordance with state guidelines, and indoor exhibits and rides will be closed to the public. The Buttonwood Park Zoo will follow stringent social distancing, hygiene, and cleaning protocols in order to keep all visitors to the Zoo safe and healthy.

Hair Salons & Barbershops: New Bedford will follow the state’s guidelines concerning these businesses, reopening May 25. Strict health and safety measures will be enforced under the state’s guidelines, including social distancing, capacity limitations, staffing and operations, and hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

Pet Groomers: New Bedford will follow the state’s guidelines concerning these businesses, reopening May 25. The state’s guidelines around social distancing, staffing and operations, and hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting protocols will be enforced.

Car Washes: New Bedford will follow the state’s guidelines concerning these businesses, reopening May 25. The state’s guidelines around social distancing, staffing and operations, and hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting protocols will be enforced.

Recreational Boating: New Bedford will follow the state’s guidelines concerning recreational boating, which is allowed to resume May 25.

Private Offices: New Bedford will follow the state’s guidelines concerning private offices, reopening May 25. The state’s guidelines around social distancing, hygiene protocols, and cleaning will be implemented.

Retail (e.g. clothing stores, toy stores, jewelry stores, nurseries and garden centers that do not sell food products): Based on the first phase of the state’s reopening guidelines, these stores will be permitted to offer curbside pickup and delivery only, beginning May 25.

Parking at Meters: Enforcement of metered parking will not be resumed under the first phase of reopening. When retail stores and restaurants reopen during the second phase of reopening, metered parking enforcement will take effect.

Auto Dealers & Wholesalers: Under the state’s guidelines, auto dealers and wholesalers will be permitted to offer curbside pickup and delivery only beginning May 25.

City Offices & Facilities: City Hall and other city offices continue to serve residents remotely, as they have since mid-March, until further notice.

Libraries: Under the state’s first phase of reopening, beginning June 1, the New Bedford Free Public Library system will be open for curbside pickup only during regular branch hours, available at www.newbedford-ma.gov/library. Patrons with books on hold may be called the week of May 25 for curbside pickup.

MaskNB initiative, a partnership with American Red Cross and

Joseph Abboud, will provide mask to any city resident who wants one

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that the City of New Bedford has launched MaskNB, an initiative in partnership with the Southeastern Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation, to continue to promote the widespread use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by offering a mask to any City resident who wants one at no cost, at a series of drive-through distribution events in late May and June.

Mayor Mitchell explained the reason for making the masks available: “The scientific basis for widespread mask use is growing stronger, but in order for that knowledge to make a difference, we need to take individual and collective action. At an individual level, that means remembering to always wear a mask whenever you cannot practice social distancing.

Mitchell added, “Collectively, it means finding ways to help each other adjust to the ‘new normal’ of daily mask-wearing. By supplying enough masks for all our residents, we are not only taking an important step in that direction, but we are doing something unique that few cities have been able to undertake. In this case, the commitment of American Red Cross volunteers, the creativity and determination of Joseph Abboud workers, and key city government departments, all came together to make the impossible, possible. They all deserve our thanks and admiration.”

“We’re proud to partner with the City of New Bedford and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation to distribute masks to local citizens. Public safety is an important mission of the Red Cross, and together we can help stop the spread of the COVID virus and protect our loved ones and neighbors,” said Barbara Cotton, executive director of the Southeastern Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross.

“We are proud to continue to support New Bedford’s efforts to fight COVD-19,” said Joe Bahena, CEO of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation. The designer menswear manufacturer, based in the City’s North End, retooled its facility to produce masks early in the COVID-19 response effort, and has continued to refine its operations to meet the City’s needs.

Ward 1 Saturday, May 30 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 2 Sunday, May 31 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 3 Saturday, June 6 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 4 Sunday, June 7 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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.

The dates are listed at www.masknb.com. Additional dates may be announced based on available supplies.

In late April the City announced the first phase of its mask distribution effort, with a goal of delivering roughly 50,000 Abboud-made masks to first responders, essential workers, and vulnerable populations, including residents and staff of nursing homes, long-term care facilities, senior living facilities, shelters, and New Bedford Housing Authority facilities. Masks are also being provided to staff and patients of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, the staff and clients of the Meals on Wheels program, and elderly clients of the Immigrants Assistance Center. To date, the City has distributed more than 20,000 masks.

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.

Mayor Mitchell declared a state of emergency in New Bedford on March 13 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City has since announced a range of measures to safeguard public health, including stringent requirements on nursing homes and senior living facilities, workplace safety protections, and regulations on food vendors and restaurants to protect their staff and customers.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell and Southcoast Health have announced that, together, they are expanding a program to reach more at-risk areas and essential workers with COVID-19 testing.

The program is based on a joint pilot effort undertaken earlier this month to test commercial fishing crews on the New Bedford waterfront using the Southcoast Mobile Health Van for on-site, targeted COVID-19 testing, officials said.

That round of testing was a trial run to prepare for expanded testing capability, as targeted testing for essential and high-risk employees will be key to continuing to plan for reopening of the local economy and adjusting social distancing in the workplace, while keeping those employees safe both at the workplace and at home.

The City and Southcoast Health are partnering with the Immigrants Assistance Center to provide additional services and resources as part of the program. Medical interpreters from Southcoast Health will be on site, and literature in multiple languages will be available at the mobile testing site. Southcoast Health has also developed educational videos in multiple languages for employers to screen for their employees.

“Compared to other urban areas in the Northeast, a large portion of Greater New Bedford’s residents work in factories and other industrial facilities,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “Targeted testing at these facilities, coupled with the City’s safe-workplace orders, will help to stem transmission of COVID-19. I am grateful for the productive partnership with Southcoast Health, the Immigrants Assistance Center, and other services to protect the residents of our region.”

These plans align with Southcoast’s comprehensive efforts on COVID-19 education and testing across the not-for-profit community health system’s service area, officials said. A drive-up testing center opened in Dartmouth in April, and a walk-up testing site at Tobey Hospital opened in early May. In addition, Southcoast has provided testing for homeless populations in Fall River with plans to assist and support communities throughout the region. Southcoast is currently processing test results in house after the acquisition of two analyzers, reducing turnaround times.

“We are immensely proud of our entire region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re fortunate to partner with our local municipalities in serving the healthcare needs of our region,” Southcoast President & CEO Keith Hovan said. “Throughout this battle, we have worked closely with municipal leaders, including Mayor Mitchell, our legislative delegation and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to ensure all residents have the access they need to healthcare services.”

Last week, Mayor Mitchell and the Board of Health announced two 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 industrial facilities including social distancing, stringent cleaning and disinfection, employee temperature checks, and accommodations for any employees to use sick time in compliance with federal and state laws.

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell has announced that events in New Bedford with more than 10 people in attendance, and which require a City permit, have been cancelled through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2020, to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Bedford’s Independence Day fireworks for July 4 have also been cancelled. Festivals, parades, and other city-permitted events that draw large crowds in the city have all been suspended through September 7.

Last week, Mayor Mitchell and the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento announced that the City’s largest summer event, the 106^th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, scheduled for July 30 through August 2, has been cancelled. The Feast draws hundreds of thousands of attendees every summer.

Mayor Mitchell declared a state of emergency in New Bedford on March 13 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the City has acted to protect public health through social distancing, offering remote services, the protection of seniors and workers in the city, and issuing other important public health guidance. More information is available at www.newbedford-ma.gov.

New Bedford, Massachusetts— Mayor Jon Mitchell and Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento together have announced that the 106th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, scheduled for July 30 through August 2, has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Club and the Feast Committee will announce further details about cancellation and any virtual commemoration or other Feast-related arrangements in the coming days.

The Feast is one of America’s largest and most popular ethnic festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees every summer. Founded in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrant men to recreate the religious festivals common in the villages of their home island and to commemorate their safe passage to America, this traditional midsummer gathering for family and friends is considered to be the world’s largest festival honoring Portuguese culture.