Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid COVID-19 concerns

BOSTON — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced on Monday evening that Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be canceled.

“This decision is being made out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we are doing what is needed to keep the residents of Boston safe and healthy,” the mayor said in a statement.

Mayor Walsh apparently made the decision after consulting with local lawmakers and a representative from the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council.

“We certainly understand the reason for the cancellation," said the Commander for the South Boston Allied Vets Dave Falvey. “We understand the position. It’s a really terrible situation. All over the world it’s caused a lot of disruptions but the health and safety of the community is really important.”

“While the risk in Boston remains low, this situation is changing very quickly and we are closely monitoring any local cases," the mayor said in his statement. "Our top priority is preventing any new cases, to the best of our ability, and we are paying close attention to guidance from public health officials.

South Boston Congressman Steve Lynch agrees that, "in the interest of public safety it would be best that we just err on the side of caution.”

“All of them telling us to err on the side of caution and we don’t help spread this with the parade," said City Councilor Michael Flaherty.

“We encourage all residents to follow preventive measures to avoid illness, such as washing hands and staying home if you are feeling sick, and we will continue to make public any information as this situation develops in Boston," Walsh went on to say.

Locals say they’re disappointed, but they agree that canceling it is the right move.

“[I’m] a little bummed out but I guess it makes a lot of sense,” said Julie Deleger, of South Boston. "It’s more important for people to be home and be healthy than hang out at a parade.”

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