Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus concerns

Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade has been cancelled in lieu of coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, according to the event's website.

The parade was set to take place downtown on Saturday.

The river dyeing has also been canceled.

Additionally, the South Side Irish parade in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood as well as the Northwest Side Irish Parade have been canceled.

State officials have been urging people, particularly elderly residents, to avoid mass gatherings in the area. 

Boston and Dublin have also cancelled their St. Patrick's Day events amid the global outbreak.