Coronavirus Fears: Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Postponed

CHICAGO, IL — A day after organizers said the Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade was still on, they reversed their decision, postponing Saturday's parade amid coronavirus fears. The announcement comes after Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday said health officials were having conversations with organizers of large events, including the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the South Side Irish Parade.

"The health and safety of Chicago's residents will always be our highest priority, and like many other cities across the nation and globe, we are postponing this year's parades as a precautionary measure to prevent any additional spread of COVID-19," said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

No make up date was given. The mayor said city officials would work with organizers to find an appropriate date "sometime in the future."

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On Tuesday, Prtizker announced eight additional coronavirus cases in Illinois, including two cases outside of Cook County. The governor also issued a disaster proclamation earlier this week as the disease has spread.

Pritzker and Lightfoot announced the postponement at a Wednesday morning press conference. Both leaders called it a difficult decision. The parade website was updated to reflect the postponement, directing visitors to the Chicago Department of Public Health website.

The South Side Irish Parade, set for Sunday, has also been postponed.

According to a news release from the Mayor's office, the City will "continue working with organizers from Chicago’s downtown, South Side, and Northwest Side parades, as well as the annual Dyeing of the Chicago River to reschedule these events to a later date and ensure the health and safety of Chicago’s residents and visitors."

“We all know what the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations mean to us in the city of Chicago — but as elected leaders, we can’t take any chances with the health of our residents,” Governor JB Pritzker said.

According to the news release, officials added that the decision to postpone the parade follows guidance and information from public health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and counterparts in other jurisdictions.

For anyone celebrating St. Patrick Day this weekend, the City’s public health officials recommend practicing common sense health safety tips and social distancing, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. At this time, no special sanitizing processes beyond routine cleaning are necessary or recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illness.

In addition, the release included a statement on vulnerable populations — consisting of those 60 years or older or with underlying health conditions — who may be more susceptible to COVID-19.

"The City encourages members of vulnerable populations and anyone who is sick to remain home and not attend large gatherings."

Related:

• Chicago Is No. 1 Best City For St. Patrick's Day
• School District Cancels Classes After Coronavirus Patient Attends Volleyball Game
• Coronavirus In Illinois: Everything You Need To Know, How To Prevent Spread
• Chicago High School Students, Staff Asked To Self-Quarantine
• Expert Offers Common-Sense Reasons Not To Panic Over Coronavirus

As several Chicago-area schools close their doors due to coronavirus and events across the country, including Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade, are shut down, Patch will continue updating this article.