July 20, 2020 — Free mobile testing for COVID-19 is popping up all across the Whaling City.
Southcoast Health started the trend back in May when it partnered with the city and The Port of New Bedford to offer testing for commercial fishermen on the waterfront.
On Thursday, thanks to funding from wind energy developers, the program was able to relaunch and will continue for several weeks, according to Southcoast Health Public Information Officer Shawn Badgley.
The Port of New Bedford is scheduling the testing appointments for fishermen and Executive Director Edward Anthes-Washburn called the testing wonderful.
Anthes-Washburn said there is no real social distancing on a fishing vessel because you cannot operate safely without having the crew within six feet of each other.
“This testing will allow fishing crews peace of mind during a pandemic so they can focus on what they do best — safely harvesting and landing sustainable fish for consumers around the world,” Anthes-Washburn said.