It seems strange that the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, and other major parades elsewhere in Ireland, would go ahead given the current #COVID19ireland #coronavirusireland crisis. 1/5
People are understandably concerned given the anticipated rise in cases over the next few weeks, and individuals, communities, voluntary organisations, businesses, and public officials and bodies are all taking steps to contain its spread. 2/5
Bringing hundreds of thousands of people together for parades does not seem appropriate in those circumstances nor does it give the right message as to the actions and sacrifices we must take to limit transmission. 3/5
Let’s not forget that the parade was cancelled in 2001 on account of Foot and Mouth disease - surely the current situation warrants similar action? 4/5
Given the rapidly evolving situation we face, the need to protect our communities and health service, and the drastic actions being taken by other nations to limit and delay the spread of Coronavirus, cancelling major parades would, in my view, be proportionate and welcome. 5/5
