Philadelphia cancels all large, public events for 6 months over coronavirus concerns

Philadelphia officials announced Tuesday that all large, public events for the next six months will be canceled over coronavirus concerns, including the famous Thanksgiving Day and Mummers parade.

Mayor Jim Kennedy is expected made the announcement during an afternoon news conference, KYW Newsradio first reported.

The city's Broad Street Run, which had already been moved to October due to coronavirus, has also been called off as has the Philadelphia Marathon, which was scheduled for late November.

“Obviously it’s a sad day when we have to cancel the marathon weekend of events. It’s been gaining momentum the past three years,” Leo Dignam, Executive Director of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, told Philadelphia magazine. “Before the pandemic hit we were up 15 percent over last year’s numbers, which were up 10 percent from the year before. We’re sad that this had to happen, but the city is being as careful as possible to make sure we don’t create a situation where the virus spreads. And, obviously an event with 35,000 runners and 60,000 spectators is a place where it could spread.”

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The 120-year-old Mummers parade has been canceled twice in its history -- in 1919 and 1934.

Philadelphia's COVID-19 numbers have fluctuated in the past several weeks, with cases rising sharply in some areas.

The city's officials say the risk isn't worth it.

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Private outdoor events with fewer than 50 people will not be affected.

Recreational sports with less than 25 people in attendance will also be exempted as well other events on private property including performance venues and stadiums, KYW said.