COVID-19 Coronavirus

During this pandemic, WBSM is providing you with all of the latest news, information, commentary and community stories surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Southcoast Health has established a 24/7 COVID-19 hotline for patients who have symptoms, travel history, or exposure to others with the COVID-19 virus at (508) 973-1919.

Text COVIDMA to 888777 to get all the latest news and information about the COVID-19 virus, state services, and tips to stay healthy sent right to your phone from AlertsMA.

Remembering New Bedford’s First COVID-19 Internet Hoax

Four years ago, New Bedford and the rest of the world began shutting down over the COVID-19 pandemic. One person took it too far too early.

Tim Weisberg

Signs of the Pandemic Remain in Some SouthCoast Locations

While evidence of the pandemic has largely faded from view on the SouthCoast, there are still lingering signs – literally and figuratively – that it was real.

Barry Richard

COVID and War Concerns Prompt Yes to Cancel Leg of 2023 Tour

They're struggling to find insurance options that were widely available before the pandemic and Ukraine conflict.

Nick DeRiso

Baker's Decision on Massachusetts School Mask Mandates

Under pressure from the Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity, Gov. Charlie Baker issued a decision concerning mask mandates for the new school year.

Barry Richard

New Bedford Tests as White House Warns of Significant COVID Wave

The Biden Administration warns of the potential for a significant wave of COVID deaths this fall and winter. Meanwhile, New Bedford keeps on testing for COVID.

Barry Richard

City of New Bedford Suspends Vaccination and Testing Requirement

The City of New Bedford is no longer requiring municipal employees to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly COVID testing.

Tim Weisberg

Southcoast Health Suspends Inpatient Visitation

Due to the spread of COVID-19, Southcoast Health has temporarily suspended inpatient visitation at its facilities, starting today.

Aliana Liz Tavares

Get the Facts Then Get the Vax [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]

For New Bedford Health Director Damon Chaplin, reducing the number of COVID case is all about getting more people vaccinated.

Jim Phillips

How SouthCoast Schools Are Dealing With Major COVID-Related Staff Shortages

SouthCoast schools have always been prepared for teachers calling in sick, but they have never had as many teachers out sick as they had this week.

Michael Rock

Fairhaven Public Schools Utilizing Sheriff’s K-9 Units to Sniff Out COVID

Since before Christmas, K-9s have been visiting Fairhaven Public Schools to help sniff out COVID-19.

Michael Rock