New Bedford declares state of emergency

NEW BEDFORD, MASS (WLNE) – Mayor of New Bedford Jon Mitchell declared a state of emergency in the city and cancelled events with more than 100 people in attendance on Friday.

Mitchell said the city will be revoking licenses for indoor events with more than 100 people by Monday, and all senior centers will be closed, including its adult day facility.

The mayor has since released a statement cancelling schools from March 16 until March 20, with school scheduled to start again March 23.

Superintendent Thomas Anderson said the schools are being deep cleaned and options on remote learning are being considered.

The mayor also said city employee travel has been canceled and if employees can work from home, they should.

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Bedford, and the decision was strictly out of precaution.