New London St. Patrick's Day Parade Canceled Due To Virus Concern

NEW LONDON, CT — The New London St. Patrick's Day Parade will be postponed due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus. The city joins others across the state in canceling events following Gov. Ned Lamont's recommendation that large gatherings should be canceled.

The city released the following statement:

New London Mayor Michael Passero, regrets to announce the postponement of New London’s Patrick’s Day Parade, due to rational concerns about the coronavirus. The postponement became necessary due to the growing concern of the potential spread of COVID-19, in the state.

After considering Governor Ned Lamont’s suggestions, meeting with local health officials and city public safety professionals, it was recommended that gatherings of more than 100 people be postponed until further notice.

New London’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has become quite popular over the past few years and is enjoyed and warmly supported by the New London community. However, with the current uncertainty of the spread of this virus, health and community leaders have assessed that the risks of community spread and significant toll it could have on the region and public safety-first responders, it is a prudent decision to postpone the parade.

The parade was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. A new date is under consideration, but has not been scheduled.