Spanish version: https://theappalachianonline.com/in-spanish-boone-cancela-el-desfile-del-dia-de-san-patricio-rail-jam-por-preocupaciones-sobre-el-coronavirus/

According to a statement from the Town of Boone, effective immediately, all events with 100 or more participants, including those events sponsored by outside community partners on Town of Boone property, are canceled or postponed until otherwise directed by the Mayor or Town Manager.

The statement also said no new events of groups of 100 or more should be scheduled until further notice.

“These cancellations will allow Town of Boone staff to focus their efforts on preparation and response to this developing situation in our community,” according to the statement. 

For meetings:

• Effective immediately, all public meetings hosted by the Town of Boone including Town Council Meetings, Police Forums, Public Hearings, Town Committee Meetings and Town Board Meetings are cancelled for up to April 13, 2020.

The Town of Boone will reassess on April 13 and provide an update concerning ongoing cancellations or rescheduling of meeting

Original story: 

The Town of Boone canceled the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Rail Jam and next week’s town council meetings, Mayor Rennie Brantz told The Appalachian.

“Because of the growing coronavirus crisis, the town has canceled the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Rail Jam and next week’s Town Council meetings,” Brantz said in an email. “I suspect that other events will be canceled as well.”

The town also created an emergency task force to deal with unexpected developments.

Brantz also said town manager John Ward will release more information this afternoon.

The parade was scheduled for March 14. The Jones House posted on its website that, “After consulting with state officials and healthcare workers, we feel that this decision is the best one to ensure the health and well-being of our community and visitors.”

This is a developing story.