The Saint Patrick's Day parade in Dublin is to be called off.
It's after recommendations from the Public Health Emergency Team.
While Ireland currently has 21 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Cork's parade has already been cancelled after a meeting this morning.
Reports suggest that a recommendation will be made to cancel all parades nationwide.
Further St Patrick's details: understand ALL parades nationwide to be called off. @IrishTimes
— Fiach Kelly (@fiachkelly) March 9, 2020
Common Sense Decision
Former Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke has welcomed the cancellations:
"Common sense has prevailed and I'm sure there will be a great big sigh of relief today."
"We can always have the parade again later in the year."
"It's not about profit, it's about people, their health and their wellbeing."
Dublin St Patrick's Day parade set to be called off. Opposition leaders being briefed on the situation. Update for employers groups later
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) March 9, 2020
"It Wouldn't Be Feasible" In Cork
Dr John Sheahan, Lord Mayor of Cork, says it was a tough decision to make.
"We just felt we couldn't put in proper procedures in terms of hand hygiene and all the recommendations that are currently out there."
"In that context, it wouldn't be feasible to run a Patrick's Day parade."
"So, in the interest of health, we decided we had to cancel it."
Community groups have previously cancelled parades over Covid-19 fears.
Hand washing is the single most important way to stop the spread of infection in your home, your workplace and in our hospitals #ResistInfection #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/1JGlA35aPV
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 9, 2020
Wash Your Hands
The best way to avoid getting, or spreading, coronavirus is to wash your hands.
So use soap and warm water, sing happy birthday twice.
Also if you need to cough or sneeze, trap it into a tissue and bin that.
Meanwhile. if you aren't well, stay at home.
More information from the HSE is available here.
