NEW BEDFORD — Thirty-five fewer new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the city this week, the first decline in numbers since mid-June.
The state Department of Health announced 232 new cases in New Bedford between July 28-Aug. 3, good news to a city that saw numbers jump by 83 in a two-week span and has a lower-than-average vaccine rate.
While vaccines and boosters continue to be a source of contention here and throughout the country, Both Pfizer and Moderna report working on new bivalent boosters, meaning they are made up of both the current formula and the new one that targets the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub variants.
If the shots are given the OK by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, they could be available as early as September, the FDA says. However some experts wonder whether the new boosters will be too late to make a difference.
In New Bedford, 59% of people are fully vaccinated and 68% have received at least one dose. Statewide, those numbers are 80.6% fully vaccinated and 99% with at least one dose.
— By The New Bedford Light
Aug. 4, 2022
New COVID-19 cases in New Bedford, June 21, 2021-Aug. 3, 2022
Percentage of residents fully vaccinated
Average daily cases per 100,000 residents, July 17-30
MORE COVID-19 NEWS
Dartmouth Tonix facility ramping up to produce vaccines for COVID-19 and monkeypox
Tonix CEO Dr. Seth Lederman said he thinks his company’s live virus platform could offer the long-lasting, transmission-blocking protection against COVID-19 that the mRNA vaccines so far haven’t been able to.
COVID is changing, and it can still be a killer
Omicron and its sub-variants spread faster and infect more people. And while omicron may present milder cases for the young and middle-aged, that’s not the case for elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions, experts say.
Grandparents, co-workers, family and friends were lost to the pandemic
“He was very strong. He was very protective. He kind of marched to the beat of his own drum sometimes …” — Bethany Arguin, daughter of retired New Bedford firefighter Robert Russell Nobrega
COVID-19 cases rising in New Bedford and across the state
“Public health data reveal that positive cases in Massachusetts communities and in our schools have been climbing over recent weeks, fueled by Omicron variant BA.2 and the subvariant BA.2 12.1.” — Mass. Medical Society President Dr. Carole Allen
Cluster of cases at New Bedford health center points to speed of new COVID variant
New daily COVID cases have been rising in the city after sharply declining from early January and remaining mostly steady through March. The state Department of Public Health reported a total of 127 new cases in New Bedford from April 20-25.
Free bowling and Buttonwood Zoo admission at some New Bedford vaccine clinics
The city’s vaccination level is still below 60%, and daily case numbers have risen in April.
New Bedford’s schedule for free COVID tests from April 17 to May 5
Project Beacon will be open for its normal hours on Easter Sunday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Bedford Regional Airport.
State health officials report ‘overcount’ of Mass. COVID deaths
The Baker administration will begin using a new public health surveillance definition next week, narrowing the time between a confirmed diagnosis and a death required for the fatality to be attributed to COVID-19.
New Bedford ends its vaccination or testing mandate for city employees
City workers will no longer be required to submit proof of vaccination. And those who had chosen the option of producing weekly negative test results will no longer be required to do so.
Federal COVID-19 aid brings hope to mayors across America, survey finds
Mayor Mitchell has proposed spending $18 million on arts, culture and hospitality; $13 million for neighborhood stabilization and housing; $11 million for enhancement to open space; and significant sums on other investments.
Loading...
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
A VIRTUAL MEMORIAL
We remember you.
As the city emerges from the long siege of COVID-19, we pause to take stock of what – and whom – we’ve lost. Please help build this community memorial by adding a tribute to your loved one.
Sign up for free
Our free newsletter will drop into your inbox weekday mornings, giving you all the highlights of our in-depth news stories and community arts and culture coverage.
SUPPORT OUR WORK TODAY
As an independent, nonprofit news outlet we are reliant on reader support to help fund the kind of in-depth journalism that keeps the public informed and holds the powerful accountable. Thank you for your support.
New Bedford Light is an IRS-determined 501(c)(3) Public Charity; all gifts are tax-deductible. Our EIN number is 86-2407296.
Thank you to our sponsors
Founding benefactors:
Irwin and Joan Jacobs, Mary and Jim Ottaway
RECENT STORIES
- From horror fan films to his own production company, Vincente DiSanti living his dream
- New Bedford city councilors look for solution to shellfish bed pollution
- Early education in ‘crisis’ across South Coast as new school year approaches
- First confirmed monkeypox case diagnosed in New Bedford, ‘handful’ of presumptive cases also suspected
- Shellfish areas remain closed in New Bedford as city works to fix old sewage system
- AHA! Night: Summer in the Seaport, Summer Sound Series, A Midsummer Night’s Dream