The coronavirus pandemic has forced Mayor Bill de Blasio to cancel all non-essential street events in June — including the Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade and Salute to Israel Parade.
De Blasio made the announcement Monday morning during his daily coronavirus press briefing at City Hall. The cancelations are a precaution to prevent a second massive outbreak of coronavirus at a time when the city’s finally beginning to turn the corner on the pandemic.
“It’s not a happy announcement, but it’s one we have to make,” de Blasio said.
The cancellation order includes all other parades, concerts, rallies and other large gatherings scheduled for June.
The mayor, however, indicated the city is cooperating with the Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade and Salute to Israel Parade organizers on possibly holding the events at a later date. All three events draw tens of thousands of spectators annually.
The Pride March is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
This is a developing story; check with amny.com later for further updates.
