Avoid Large Group Events: Philadelphia Health Officials

UPDATE: The 250th Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade has been canceled.

PHILADELPHIA — Health officials with the City of Philadelphia said Tuesday after announced a presumed case of coronavirus in the city that the public should avoid large group events. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley Tuesday said the public should not attend events with crowds of 5,000 people or more.

Such events include sporting events and the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.

Managing Director Brian Abernathy said events such as those should be watched from home on TV.

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He said the decision to advise residents stay home for the parade was made with a "heavy heart" due to it being the parades' 250th anniversary, the hard work of volunteers and organizers, and how beloved the parade is among the community.

"We [ask residents to watch from home] with an abundance of caution," he said. "It's simply far more important at this point in time to keep residents and visitors out of large crowds."

Parade organizers and volunteers have "responsive and respectful" regarding the city's urge to stay home for the parade.

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The city said it is not planning to cancel any events, but that it does have the power to do so. Should the situation worsen, the city could cancel events such as the parade.

Residents can get up to date information from the city by texting COVIDPHL to 888-777 to get notifications from ReadyPhiladelphia.

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.

This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.