The Hibernia Marching Society’s annual St. Paddy’s Day parade and Main Street’s Grillin’ on the Green are still on schedule for this weekend, but Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says the city will continue to monitor directives from public health leaders, and the public should continue to take common-sense steps to diminish the spread of the coronanavirus.
“The St. Patrick’s parade and Grillin’ on the Green are primarily local events and both are outdoors,” Gilich said today, “but we certainly advise the public to be prudent. The advice from the Mississippi State Department of Health is to stay informed, to maintain social distancing as practical, and the older population and chronically ill should avoid gatherings of more than 250 people.â€
The St. Patrick’s parade will be Saturday at 2 p.m. through downtown Biloxi, and Grillin’ on the Green takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Biloxi Town Green.
Gilich said the city would continue to monitor public health advisories and take steps as needed.
Common-sense personal measures also must be taken, Gilich said. They include frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying home if you are sick, and covering you mouth when you cough.
However, Gilich said he was concerned about large events that attract thousands to the city. The Coast Coliseum, in fact, has announced upcoming concerts by KISS, Mercy Me and Chris Stapleton have been canceled or will be rescheduled.
“As we move forward,” Gilich said, “we hope that promoters of other events that attract tens of thousands from other states, such as spring break, which includes numerous gatherings in nightclubs and lounges, will consider canceling their events in deference to public health and welfare.”
Visit the Center for Disease Control’s website
Visit the Mississippi Department of Health’s website
See the city’s coronavirus webpage
