NYC Postpones St Patrick's Day Parade Amid Coronavirus Fear

NEW YORK, NY — New York City's St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the largest celebration's of the holiday in the world, will be postponed due to concerns about the spread of Coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday.

The annual parade, which draws millions of marchers and spectators to Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, was scheduled for Tuesday, March 17. The parade has never been canceled before since its debut in 1762, according to parade organizers.

“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," Cuomo said in a statement.

Mayor Bill de Blasio would not confirm the parade's cancellation during a Wednesday afternoon press conference, stating that the city is "waiting for confirmation" and didn't want to reveal details of a "private discussion."

Cuomo has the authority to shut the parade down without the Mayor's approval.

"Why would you risk bringing thousands of people together knowing that this is a virus that easily communicates," Cuomo said during a press conference earlier in the day.

A request for comment sent to parade organizers was not immediately returned.

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New York City won't be the first major metropolis to cancel its celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Chicago, Boston and Dublin, Ireland have also announced decisions to cancel parades for the sake of public health.