After some deliberation, parades for St Patrick's Day are being cancelled nationwide.
The decision was made today by the Cabinet sub-committee dealing with the coronavirus to cancel the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.
Previously, Cork City Council announced they too were cancelling their parade.
The following four events will not proceed during St. Patrick’s Festival:
March 17 National St. Patrick’s Festival Parade, Dublin
March 14-17 Festival Village, Merrion Square, Dublin
March 15 Treasure Hunt, Dublin
March 17 Céilí Mór, Merrion Square, Dublin
The St Patrick’s Festival's Cultural Programme will go ahead. This covers more over a hundred small to medium scale events spanning music, theatre, talks and trails, exhibitions and more.
Running from March 13 – 17, information on these events is available at www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Earlier today, Minister for Health Simon Harris said the coronavirus outbreak in the country will become “very serious”.
He noted there is a moderate-to-high risk that Ireland will follow a pattern seen in other EU countries with regard to the Covid-19 outbreak such as Italy, France and Germany.
The France-Ireland Six Nations game which was scheduled to conclude the Guinness 2020 Six Nations in the Stade de France next Saturday has been postponed.
Numerous other public events have been cancelled across Ireland.
Measurements have been taken to prevent the spread of the virus. These include visitor restrictions at several hospitals and nursing homes. The Taoiseach cut short his St Patrick’s Day US trip.
So far, 21 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland five new cases have been reported, bringing the total there to 12.
The main advice being distributed is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
