The Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celtic Far scheduled for Saturday in Billings has been canceled.
The Downtown Billings Alliance announced Thursday that the decision was made in coordination with the Yellowstone Unified Health Command and others in an effort to prevent community transmission of the COVID-19 virus, known as coronavirus.
The group noted in a news release that the Centers for Disease Control has recommended canceling large gatherings of more than 250 people as a social distancing measure, which would include the parade.
No COVID-19 cases have been reported in Montana, but the spread of the disease nationwide is making an impact closer to home. Gov. Steve Bullock declared a state of emergencyThursday to free up resources. Montana universities are moving classes to online only. All collegiate postseason athletic tournaments, both NCAA and NAIA, have been canceled.
Read the full press release from the DBA here.
