The 54th annual Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade has been canceled, organizers confirmed Thursday morning.The long-standing tradition was set for Saturday, March 14.The cancellation comes amid rising concerns about COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus."The Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade has a long-standing tradition of not cancelling or postponing our event but we understand that all good things must come to an end. Our committee respects the advice of Mayor Cranley, City Manager Duhaney and other local leaders regarding the health concerns of such an event of our size. We want to thank the businesses and restaurants of The Banks for all their support over the years and look forward to working with them again in 2021. May Saint Patrick look over Greater Cincinnati, the United States, and the whole world," Chris Schulte, Chairman - Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade Committee said in a statement.Four cases of the coronavirus have been reported across the state of Ohio, and dozens of other people are being tested.The news comes after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine made a push for spectatorless indoor sporting events across the state.Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley declared a state of emergency in the city of Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon.The declaration of emergency is necessary to allow Cincinnati to take appropriate action to protect against the spread of COVID-19 in Cincinnati and to protect vulnerable populations in Cincinnati and the Greater Cincinnati region from contracting COVID-19, Cranley said.WLWT will update this story as more information comes in.

The 54th annual Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade has been canceled, organizers confirmed Thursday morning.

The long-standing tradition was set for Saturday, March 14.

The cancellation comes amid rising concerns about COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

"The Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade has a long-standing tradition of not cancelling or postponing our event but we understand that all good things must come to an end. Our committee respects the advice of Mayor Cranley, City Manager Duhaney and other local leaders regarding the health concerns of such an event of our size. We want to thank the businesses and restaurants of The Banks for all their support over the years and look forward to working with them again in 2021. May Saint Patrick look over Greater Cincinnati, the United States, and the whole world," Chris Schulte, Chairman - Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade Committee said in a statement.

Four cases of the coronavirus have been reported across the state of Ohio, and dozens of other people are being tested.

The news comes after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine made a push for spectatorless indoor sporting events across the state.

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley declared a state of emergency in the city of Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon.

The declaration of emergency is necessary to allow Cincinnati to take appropriate action to protect against the spread of COVID-19 in Cincinnati and to protect vulnerable populations in Cincinnati and the Greater Cincinnati region from contracting COVID-19, Cranley said.

WLWT will update this story as more information comes in.