New York postpones St Patrick’s Day parade over virus fears
New York's St. Patrick's Day parade is the largest in the United States and typically attracts two million spectators. It will be held at a later date.
Participants at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that takes place on 5th Avenue in New York City. The parade is a celebration of Irish heritage in America and is the largest in the world. Image: iStock
New York City has postponed its annual St Patrick’s Day parade over the global coronavirus pandemic, officials said late Wednesday, days after other events in US cities were canceled.
State governor Andrew Cuomo said the decision was taken after a meeting with parade organisers.
“One of the most effective ways to contain the spread of the virus is to limit large gatherings and close contacts, and I applaud the parade’s leadership for working cooperatively with us,” said New York state governor Andrew Cuomo in a statement.
New York’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is the largest in the United States and typically attracts two million spectators.
The event has been held annually for more than 250 years and Wednesday’s announcement marked the first time it would not be held as scheduled, the New York Times reported.
Officials said the parade would be held at a later date.
“I know this decision didn’t come easy, so I’ll make this promise: this is a postponement, not a cancellation,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Boston’s mayor on Monday announced the cancellation of his city’s St Patrick’s Day parade, which was expected to attract around one million attendees.
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