COLUMBUS – From the health department to the Highway Patrol, everyone is urging Ohioans to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely, responsibly – and virtually.
With the death toll from COVID-19 in Ohio approaching 18,000, the state Department of Health says safest way to celebrate the holiday is to gather virtually, with people who live with you, or outdoors at least 6 feet away from others.
If you plan to go out, wear a mask, avoid crowds, and clean your hands often.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection recommends decorate home in St. Patrick’s Day colors, shamrocks, and leprechauns, celebrating by making Irish–inspired recipes and watching a virtual St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
In Columbus, the St. Patrick’s Day Mass was simulcast on St. Patrick’s Church’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Shamrock Club of Columbus’ annual celebration was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon but attendance may be limited due to continued coronavirus restrictions.
The menu featured Guinness beef stew with mashed potatoes and entertainment was scheduled from The Shamrock Club Pipes & Drums, the Irwin Academy of Irish Dance and the Hooligans.
A largely virtual St. Patrick’s Day is planned for New York City and President Joe Biden is marking St. Patrick’s Day as he meets virtually with Ireland’s prime minister and recommits U.S. support for the Good Friday Agreement, which was signed in 1998 and helped end sectarian violence that had raged for decades.