New Bedford High School football team cancels game due to COVID

In-school testing reveal some team members test positive.

New Bedford High School Athletics Department is cancelling a scheduled varsity football game after several members tested positive for the Covid-19 virus, Thomas Tarpey, NBHS Athletics Director, announced this afternoon. “It is unfortunate, but we knew going into this season that it was a possibility, not only for our Whalers but for teams across the country. Football is a high-contact sport so regular testing vigilance is critical to stemming the spread.”

The New Bedford’s game with Attleboro, scheduled for Friday, September 24 has been canceled out of an abundance of caution. A determination regarding other games have not yet been made.

“Wanda Nunes, NBPS Director of Nurses, stated “This instance is precisely why in-school testing with parental consent was instituted. It is a mitigation strategy that adds another layer of proactive protection. Schools need to know in real-time if students and staff have been exposed to the virus so that immediate action can be taken to stop the virus from spreading. We are following all protocols and guidelines from the CDC, the state and city Health Departments.”

Superintendent Thomas Anderson stated, “As disappointing as this news is for our team, it is not unexpected that we would see positive test results as we enter the traditional flu season. We were ready for this; we did it last year and now we have additional tools in place to help stem the virus. In-school testing quickly exposed this situation, allowing the school to halt further spread. The NBPS COVID Tracker will go online in the coming days to keep the community informed.

I urge parents and guardians to consent to in-school testing if they have not already done so. We will be providing regular updates as this very challenging time continues for all of us. As always I urge everyone to continue practicing good hygiene, wear masks and get vaccinated as it is the best tool of all.”