RI Health Recommended Postponing or Canceling Newport St. Patrick’s Parade - City Ignores Advisory
GoLocalProv News Team
RI Health Recommended Postponing or Canceling Newport St. Patrick’s Parade - City Ignores Advisory
GoLocal has confirmed that the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) had recommended to the parade organizers to cancel or postpone the event.
“The parade planning committee reached out to us for guidance. We did recommend the postponement or cancelation of the parade. Because COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within roughly 6 feet), canceling or postponing large events can help limit the spread of COVID-19 in Rhode Island,” said Joseph Wendelken, the Public Information Officer for RIDOH.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn Rhode Island, the number of coronavirus cases has increased to 5.
In just over a week, the number of confirmed cases in Massachusetts has grown from 1 to 92.
City Flouts State Advisory
On Tuesday, the Newport City Council held an emergency meeting and voted not to revoke the parade permit. Mayor Jamie Bova, Jeanne Marie Napolitano, Kathryn Leonard and Lynn Underwood Ceglie voted in favor of the parade. The council chamber was packed with bar and restaurant owners and employees.
Council members Justin McLaughlin, Angela McCalla and Susan Taylor voted to revoke the parade’s permit.
Boston has canceled its St. Patrick's Day parade for fear of spreading the virus. Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts have declared states of emergency due to the coronavirus.
On Monday night, the parade was reported to be canceled -- it was to be the first cancelation in the parade's 64 -year history.
As GoLocal reported two weeks ago, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling’s Brent Ryan and Derek Luke were named Grand Marshals for the parade. Former Grand Marshals have included the late Governor J. Joseph Garrahy (twice) and former Providence Mayor Joe Doorley.
Previously, the parade has been held in snowstorms and rainstorms.
The cancelation was first reported by Newport Buzz.