Newark postpones annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade amid coronavirus outbreak

Newark officials announced late Wednesday evening that the 85th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade would be postponed due to the global coronavirus outbreak.

“After careful consideration, and in the best interest of our participants and attendees, the 85th annual Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be postponed due to the current coronavirus situation. While disappointed, we are actively working to reschedule the event in September, billed as the 85th and-a-halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Details on the event will be released at a later date,” parade committee publicity chairman Brian Lowe said in a statement.

Parade officials originally told News 12 New Jersey that they were planning to go ahead with the parade despite the outbreak.

Boston, Philadelphia and New York City have all canceled their St. Patrick's Day parades.