Sons of Erin will still celebrate on Parade Day
WESTFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth March 10, just two hours after the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and Road Race were canceled due to the threat of coronavirus.
Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse said canceling the parade and race was a “difficult decision.” The announcement followed the cancellation of the Boston and Lawrence St. Patrick’s Parades.
Sons of Erin Vice President Peter Miller said members of the Club, which leads the city’s parade contingent, were “disappointed” Tuesday afternoon.
“We’re sorry it’s canceled, but we understand a decision had to be made,” Miller said.
Miller said he was mainly disappointed because award recipients and the hard work of volunteers would not be celebrated at the parade. Instead, Club leadership was looking at other ways to celebrate.
“We will try to make the most of the day and are discussing other ways to highlight our award recipients and colleen and her court,” he said.
On parade day, March 22, the Sons of Erin will still have corned beef sandwiches for sale and host live Irish entertainment.
“We are trying to see if we can bump up our entertainment schedule,” Miller said, noting it was slated to follow the parade.
Baker said in a press conference that there is an uptick in positive presumptive cases of coronavirus, also known as Covid-19. As of 4 p.m. March 10, there were 92 presumptive cases in Massachusetts, including seven in Berkshire County and one in Worcester County.
Baker said the declaration would allow the Commonwealth flexibility in its response to the increasing outbreak.
Baker encouraged employers across the state to follow protocols he outlined for the executive government, which included canceling work-related travel, both foreign and domestic, and avoid personal international trips. He said working from home when appropriate should be encouraged.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Pollito spoke about sanitizing and disinfecting procedures that would take place in the Commonwealth, including the MBTA system. She said all employers should follow suit and provide appropriate cleaning products.
“Practice good personal hygiene and stay home if you’re not feeling well,” she said.
