US: Activists to protest coronavirus-related cancellation of annual Mummers Parade in central Philadelphia Jan. 1

Event

Activists plan to demonstrate in central Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jan. 1, to protest Mayor James Kenney's decision to cancel the city's annual Mummers Parade. The mayor ordered the cancellation as part of the Philadelphia's effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to organizers, the protest will run between the hours of 0001-1200; at least part of the event will consist of a march along South 2nd Street in the Pennsport section of South Philadelphia. The demonstration could draw thousands of participants.

Police will probably deploy to monitor the protest. Although the event is intended to be peaceful, low-level confrontations between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out, mainly due to current COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor group gatherings. Localized traffic disruptions are likely.

Advice

Avoid the announced protest as a precaution. Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Allow additional time to reach destinations near South 2nd Street while the demonstration is taking place.