UPDATE: Rockville St. Patrick's Day Festival Called Off

Updated 11:45 a.m.

ROCKVILLE, MD — Finnegan's Wake Irish Pub says its annual St. Patrick's Day street festival has been canceled over growing concerns about the new coronavirus.

The street festival — scheduled to kick off Saturday at 9 a.m. — would have featured live music, Irish dancers, bagpipe performances, face painting, and other family-friendly attractions and activities.

Just because the street festival has been canceled, doesn't mean the party is over.

In an interview with Patch, pub owner and manager Vanessa Laurin said people are still welcome to celebrate inside.

"We will have a party, just not an outdoor festival," Laurin said.

Think: live music, bottomless brunch, and an ensemble of pipes and bagpipe players from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

The virus, dubbed "COVID-19," emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has since infected more than 124,000 people and killed more than 5,000 people worldwide. In America, authorities have reported at least 1,700 cases and 40 fatalities.

(Original post) ROCKVILLE, MD — Despite growing concerns about the new coronavirus, Finnegan's Wake Irish Pub says its annual St. Patrick's Day street festival will go ahead as planned on Saturday.

"We've been in contact with Rockville city. As long as nothing changes with the CDC, Montgomery County, or the state, we are on with the event," Vanessa Laurin, the manager and owner of Finnegan's Wake, told Patch.

The virus, dubbed "COVID-19," emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has since infected more than 116,000 people and killed more than 4,000 around the world. In America, authorities have reported at least 791 cases and 27 fatalities.

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A number of major cities around the country — including Denver and Boston — are canceling their St. Patrick's Day celebrations over COVID-19 fears.

But for now, the St. Patrick's Day street festival at Rockville Town Square is still on. Laurin said she will notify attendees via email if the event gets called off.

The street festival — which kicks off at 9 a.m. — will feature live music, Irish dancers, bagpipe performances, face painting, and other family-friendly attractions and activities.

Laurin said there will be porta-potties with hand sanitizers for attendees. Those who want to wash their hands with soap and water can do so inside the pub.

"We're doing the best that we can on our end to make sure everyone is safe and clean," Laurin said.

Before the event on Saturday, Laurin is reminding festival attendees to wash their hands regularly and cough and sneeze into their elbows.

"And if you're sick and not feeling well, stay home," she said.

More information about the St. Patrick's Day street festival can be found here.

SEE ALSO:

• How Ready Is Montgomery County For Coronavirus?
• 2 New Coronavirus Cases In Maryland: Governor Hogan
• MD Coronavirus: Governor Asks For $50M To Ramp Up Response
• MD Coronavirus Patients Were At 2 Public Events, Hogan Concerned
• MCPS Coronavirus Plan: Remote Teaching, Food Accommodations