Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade is cancelled

As the COVID-19 pandemic situation continues to rapidly evolve, in addition to the cancellations of the Dublin, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York St. Patrick’s Day parades, Toronto has cancelled Sunday’s St. Paddy’s parade.

Until today, the parade was still slated to happen this Sunday March 15, but now that the WHO has declared COVID-19, the Toronto parade organizers decided to cancel the festivities “in light of public health concerns, and in the best interest of participants, volunteers and members of the public,” according to the statement on their website.

St. Patrick’s Parade Society chairperson, Shaun Ruddy said:

“Our committee made the decision to cancel the parade in the public interest.

“While we are disappointed that our annual parade will not take place our belief is that public health and safety must come first.

“We would like to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and look forward to seeing the public at our future events.”

Parade organisers say they are disappointed but the health and wellbeing of the public is of greater concern.

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