New Bedford expands testing, offers mobile tests for commercial fishermen

May 1, 2020 5:16 pm

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE)– The city of New Bedford has expanding testing capabilities for COVID-19, adding an outdoor testing site and mobile testing at the port to better reach the fishing industry, according to statements issued Friday.

The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, located at 874 Purchase St., should be equipped to conduct up to 50 tests a day by Monday with the expanded outdoor site, a city spokesmen said.

Appointments are required, and can be made by calling 508-992-6553.

The city also announced a partnership with Southcoast Health that will bring more testing to the waterfront to help target commercial fisherman.

The program got its pilot launch Friday, as the health provider looks to expand testing as more tests are provided by the state.

Testing began with fishermen on vessels slated to leave after the results are known, according to a city statement.

Medical translators were on hand to answer questions, along with literature in multiple languages.

“COVID-19 has made the most dangerous profession even more dangerous,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “Because fishermen are required to work in confined spaces on board, they are at greater risk of viral transmission than most.”

Studies of the fishing industry have ranked the Port of New Bedford as the top earning port in the nation for 19 years.

“We’re excited to support essential workers, the commercial fishermen who supply food to the nation, and continue to keep America’s top fishing port going through this partnership with Southcoast Health,” said port director Edward Anthes-Washburn.