To combat coronavirus, New Bedford partners with menswear manufacturer Joseph Abboud to provide free masks to city residents

The city of New Bedford has partnered with the American Red Cross and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation to ensure any resident who is in need of a mask gets one.

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the initiative called MaskNB on Thursday. A series of drive-through events are scheduled for May and June to help distribute the masks at no cost.

“The scientific basis for widespread mask use is growing stronger, but in order for that knowledge to make a difference, we need to take individual and collective action," Mitchell said. “At an individual level, that means remembering to always wear a mask whenever you cannot practice social distancing.”

The MaskNB distribution plan includes specific days for each of the six wards in the city. Residents will have an opportunity to obtain free cloth face masks at New Bedford High School on 230 Hathaway Boulevard on the following assigned dates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • WARD 1: May 30
  • WARD 2: May 31
  • WARD 3: June 6
  • WARD 4: June 7
  • WARD 5: June 13
  • WARD 6: June 14

Additional dates may be announced based on available supplies.

Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household or neighbor who have been advised to stay inside during the pandemic.

“We are proud to continue to support New Bedford’s efforts to fight COVD-19,” said Joe Bahena, CEO of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation, which is located in New Bedford.

In late April, New Bedford announced a goal of delivering roughly 50,000 Abboud-made masks to first responders, essential workers, and vulnerable populations, including residents and staff of nursing homes, long-term care facilities, senior living facilities, shelters, and New Bedford Housing Authority facilities. Masks are also being provided to staff and patients of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, the staff and clients of the Meals on Wheels program, and elderly clients of the Immigrants Assistance Center. To date, the City has distributed more than 20,000 masks.

“We’re proud to partner with the City of New Bedford and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation to distribute masks to local citizens," Mitchell said. “Public safety is an important mission of the Red Cross, and together we can help stop the spread of the COVID virus and protect our loved ones and neighbors,” said Barbara Cotton, executive director of the Southeastern Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross.”

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