NEWPORT, RI — Newport's St. Patrick's Day parade is still on. On Tuesday evening, the City Council voted not to cancel it during an emergency meeting, the parade's organizers said.

On Tuesday morning, a spokesperson for the city said officials were discussing the event, scheduled for Saturday, with the Rhode Island Department of Health. The final decision was made by the City Council. On Monday, the city of Boston canceled its annual St. Patrick's Day parade amid concerns of the virus's spread in Massachusetts. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution."



So far, there have been five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rhode Island. On Monday, Governor Gina Raimondo declared a state of emergency, saying that while the risk to most Rhode Islanders remains low, the measure makes more resources and funding available. "We need to take action," Raimondo said at a press conference. "I want every tool at my disposal."



Anyone with questions about the virus can call the Rhode Island Department of Health's hotline at 401-222-8022, visit the website or email RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov. Both the University of Rhode Island and the Community College of Rhode Island have suspended all international travel until further notice. Students and faculty who are already abroad will be brought home, the university said.



Lifespan has suspended visitation at hospitals around the state, while nursing homes have also restricted visitation in an effort to protect both patients and healthcare workers.