CORNOVIRUS has forced the Orange Order to cancel marching season.

As reported in the National, a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Jim McHarg, the Grand Master of the Orange Lodge of Scotland said all lodge meetings, function and social gatherings should also be suspended until further notice.

“The nation is on the cusp of an epidemic the likes of which we have never experienced. An unknown quantity,” the statement said.

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“As an Executive, we have a duty of care to the membership as a whole and recognise that there are elderly and vulnerable members with underlying illnesses who are experiencing great anxiety.

“The measures that the Grand Master has authorised are tantamount to the advice given by the Prime Minister, to avoid non-essential travel and contact with others to fight Coronavirus. We are in unchartered waters and it would be remiss of the leaders of the Institution to not take heed of the Government’s advice.”

Not all members agreed.

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Taking to the Order’s Facebook Page, one member, wrote: “All well and good bro, but I’m 69 so this does not apply to me and am in a pub in centre of Glasgow having a couple of pints with other like minded. Trust in the Lord, not in your government!”