The parade along Fifth Avenue has been held since 1762, drawing some 2 million spectators and revelers, and another 150,000 march in the parade.
On Wednesday night, Gov. Cuomo announced organizers of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade had agreed to postpone the 258-year-old event out of concerns about spreading the contagious coronavirus.
Cuomo said in a statement tonight:
“Today I had several conversations with the organizers of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to determine whether the parade should move forward in light of the evolving coronavirus situation and increased case count in the New York City area. Following those conversations, I recommended and the parade’s leadership agreed to postpone this year’s parade due to the high density and the large volume of marchers and spectators who attend. While I know the parade organizers did not make this decision lightly, public health experts agree that 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.”
Sean Lane, Parade committee chair Mr. Sean Lane, did not set a possible date for the parade. In the joint statement with Cuomo, Mr. Sean said: “We look forward to celebrating the 259th St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the entire city of new York at a later date.”
Cover Photo by: NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
