New Bedford no longer a high risk community for COVID-19

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – There is only one Massachusetts community that remains at high risk of COVID-19 and it’s not New Bedford.

According to state health officials, it’s Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard.

Lawrence and New Bedford were removed from the state’s high risk community list on Thursday.

New Bedford is also on the verge of closing down its walk-up waterfront vaccination site. 

According to city officials, the site will stop vaccinations on Sunday, May 30.

The Whaling City is also offering a new incentive to encourage vaccinations.

Residents who get their first dose at specific clinics in the city will get a $20 Dunkin Gift Card. 

It starts on Saturday and will last until June  30.

So far, about 9.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been shipped to the Bay State.

85% have been administered.

More than half of Massachusetts residents are now fully vaccinated.