St Julian's local council will not issue permits for St.Patrick's Day

The St Julian's local council has cancelled the yearly St Patrick's Day celebrations, in light of new measures announced by the government as a precaution due to the Coronavirus

There are currently five known patients with the virus in Malta.

The government earlier this evening announced restrictions on mass events.

Addressing the media after a Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that mass activities in the open air will be restricted to events for less than 2,000 persons, and said that the Cabinet will suggest that St Patrick's Day will not be celebrated in St Julian's on 17 March. It would be better if this activity is not held this year, he said.

The council hears this recommendation.

In a Facebook statement, the council said: "With today's Government decision to cancel any mass events the St. Julian's Local Council would like to inform the general public that the Council will not issue any permits for the forthcoming St.Patrick's event."

The Local Council encourages all to refrain from mass gathering so as a precaution measure. Prevention is better than cure.