Coronavirus: Irish St Patrick's Day parades cancelled

[OnDoutside]

The Government has decided to cancel all St Patrick's Day parades on the advice of health officials, according to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

It comes as the Government endevours to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Ireland.

So far, 24 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland with 12 positive cases so far in Northern Ireland.

The board and management of the St Patrick's Festival have welcomed the decision to cancel the parades.

In a statement, the festival organisers said four events will not proceed.

These include the national St Patrick's Festival parade in Dublin on 17 March; the Festival Village in Merrion Square in Dublin from 14-17 March; a treasure hunt in Dublin on 15 March and the Céilí Mór in Merrion Square on 17 March.

Parades around the country are also not going ahead.

However, the festival organisers said more than 100 small to medium scale events including music, theatre, talks and exhibitions will still go ahead from 13-17 March.

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0309/1121215-patricks-day-parades/

[smirkymonkey]

1. Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade was also just cancelled.

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2020/03/09/south-boston-st-patricks-day-parade-canceled

BOSTON – Monday, March 9, 2020 – Mayor Martin J. Walsh today issued the following statement regarding the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston:

“In collaboration with Congressman Lynch, Councilors Flaherty and Flynn, Senator Collins, Representative Biele, and David Falvey from the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is being cancelled. This decision is being made out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we are doing what is needed to keep the residents of Boston safe and healthy.

“While the risk in Boston remains low, this situation is changing very quickly and we are closely monitoring any local cases. Our top priority is preventing any new cases, to the best of our ability, and we are paying close attention to guidance from public health officials. We encourage all residents to follow preventive measures to avoid illness, such as washing hands and staying home if you are feeling sick, and we will continue to make public any information as this situation develops in Boston.”

For more information on these preventative measures, please visit: boston.gov/coronavirus.