Philadelphia Bans Mass Public Events Except Protests

A woman watches the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia, Penn., on March 14, 2004. City officials announced a six-month moratorium on public events on July 14, 2020. William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

City officials in Philadelphia have announced a six-month freeze on all large events on public property, with the chief exception of protests, in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said at a press conference Tuesday that the prohibition on gatherings over 50 people held on public property will be in effect through February 28, 2021.