The St Patrick's Day parade in Cork has been cancelled, the City Council have announced.
Amid the outbreak of Covid-19, a risk assessment was carried out by the council based on World Health Organisation guidelines, the council said.
The Council added that due to the size of the crowd expected, and the length of the event, they could not provide the "necessary assurances" in line with the guidelines.
A number of parades in the county had already been cancelled including Youghal, Whitegate, Midleton, Blarney and Cobh.
It comes amid pressure being put on the government to cancel the Dublin parade due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the Dublin St Patrick's Day parade is set to be cancelled after ministers were briefed about the implications of the spread of coronavirus.
A senior government source told the Irish Examiner it was "no surprise" about the decision and that the outgoing coalition and health authorities were adopting a “cautious approach”.
The decision comes with 33 cases of the virus on the island of Ireland and amid further restrictions in Europe as it continues to spread.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is this afternoon briefing opposition leaders about the decision to restrict mass gatherings as well as other issues such as sick pay for workers, following the meeting of ministers.
Earlier today, Health Minister Simon Harris said the virus outbreak would become serious and there was a moderate to high risk it could follow what has happened in other European countries
Mr Varadkar has also cancelled his trip to New York tomorrow.
Dublin City authorities are expected now to look at rescheduling events. The decision comes after mounting pressure on the government to postpone the events.
Former Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke has welcomed the news.
"Common sense has prevailed. And I'm sure there will be a great sigh of relief today," he said.
"We can always have the parade again later on in the year.
"It's not about profit, it's about people. It's about their health, it's about their wellbeing."
Useful information
- The HSE have developed an information pack on how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. Read it here
- Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus who has been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days should isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room alone, with a phone; phone their GP, or emergency department - if this is not possible, phone 112 or 999 and in a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) phone 112 or 999
