Both of Buffalo's St. Patrick's Day Parades have been canceled.

There's been speculation on whether the events would still take place due to concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus and government instructions to avoid close contact with large groups of people.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and parade organizers confirmed the cancellation during a news conference Thursday afternoon.

The United Irish American Association says both the Old First Ward Parade and Buffalo's main parade down Delaware Avenue will not take place this year.

Parade organizers say they made the decision following lengthy discussions on the matter and recommendations from the Erie County Health Department.

According to Mayor Brown, the parade route along Delaware Avenue will still be marked as it normally would in observance of St. Patrick's Day despite the parade's cancellation.

At this time, there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the Buffalo area.