By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD – Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, on Friday, urged the citizens of Rockford to remain calm amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“There is no need for any Rockfordian to panic,” McNamara posted on Facebook an hour after President Donald Trump declared the pandemic a national emergency. “We must just be prepared and do what we can to limit exposure.”

McNamara urged citizens to visit local businesses and restaurant during what could be a challenging time for the local economy while taking measures to limit their exposure to COVID-19.

“Please get out and support our local businesses,” he said. “Need supplies – buy local. Need food – buy local. Want to go out to eat – buy gift cards and carryout from local restaurants.”

Meanwhile, the St. Patrick’s Day parade scheduled for Saturday downtown has been canceled for the first time in more than 40 years. All activities at the BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado Performing Arts Center have been suspended as have non-essential Rockford Park District activities because of the pandemic.