Astoria's Greek Independence Celebration Canceled: Officials

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Astoria's annual Greek Independence Day Celebration on Friday has been canceled to help prevent further spread of the new coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, local officials announced Wednesday.

State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said he agreed to cancel and reschedule the celebration at the request of the three cohosts, though a new date hasn't yet been chosen.

"Protecting public health must be our top priority and while we do not believe there is any direct threat to the community from hosting this event, the prudent choice is to avoid large public gatherings at this time,” Gianaris said in a statement.

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Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee said there is no indication the new coronavirus has affected the local community but that the cancelation is an effort to minimize the risk of spreading the virus, which health officials warn is highly contagious.

It's unclear whether the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York's citywide Greek Independence Day Parade, scheduled for March 29, will also be postponed.

Astoria's Greek Independence Day Celebration joins a growing list of events that have been canceled or postponed due to concerns over spreading the new coronavirus, including the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and the New York City Half Marathon.

More than 60 people in New York City had tested positive for the virus as of Thursday morning.

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of the new coronavirus — which may include coughing, fever and/or shortness of breath — is urged to call a doctor or the city's 311 hotline for instructions on how to proceed.

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