A part-time concessions vendor who worked for the XFL’s Seattle Dragons during their home game on February 22nd against the Dallas Renegades at CenturyLink Field has tested positive for coronavirus.
Lewis Kamb of the Seattle Times provided a statement from James Apa, who is the communications director for public health in Seattle and King County, Washington:
“We have worked with the employee and the operator of the stadium, First and Goal, to evaluate potential exposures at the Feb. 22 Seattle Dragons game & we’ve determined the risk of infection to attendees from this person was low. We are following up with a few co-workers with close contacts of the employee at the Feb. 22 game to provide guidance on appropriate precautions.
“There are no extra precautions … required for those who attended the Feb. 22 game or who will attend upcoming events, but all King County residents should know that the risk for infection with COVID-19 is increasing in our community … should be aware of their symptoms, and call their health care provider if they develop a cough, fever, or other respiratory problems.”
The attendance for that game was 22,060.
Seattle Sounders FC released a statement saying its match is still scheduled to take place on March 7 at the same stadium:
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“Seattle Sounders FC’s match versus Columbus Crew SC on Saturday, March 7 is scheduled to take place as planned at CenturyLink Field. As our organization has previously stated, nothing is more important than public safety and the wellbeing of our fans at all Sounders FC events. We are in continuous dialogue with regional health authorities and Major League Soccer, in addition to our network of medical experts. Because of this, we are proceeding with Saturday’s match and Sounders FC is following the updated guidelines that were released on Wednesday by Public Health – Seattle & King County.
“Additionally, we are working closely with our colleagues at First & Goal Inc. and CenturyLink Field to provide a safe matchday experience. This effort includes expanded sanitation procedures – encompassing enhanced cleaning treatments to disinfect all areas of the stadium before and after every event – in addition to increased hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue and continued staff education and training. It should also be noted that our club is aware of King County’s recent announcement about a confirmed case of COVID-19 inside CenturyLink Field stemming from an event on February 22. The affected part-time stadium employee did not work any Sounders FC events. In coordination with First & Goal Inc. and Public Health – Seattle & King County, the club is following the regional health authority’s determination that risk to stadium attendees from that employee was low and that no additional precautions are necessary heading into Saturday’s match.
“As an added measure of safety in accordance with the new guidelines from Public Health – Seattle & King County, we are advising that the listed at-risk members of the community and any individual who is currently sick refrain from attending Saturday’s contest. This is being done out of an abundance of caution, and members of these groups that already purchased tickets can work with representatives from Sounders FC’s customer service department on exchange options. At this time, there has been no recommendation from Public Health – Seattle & King County to adjust scheduling for sporting events, as is the case with Seattle Public Schools and other community institutions. As this situation remains fluid, the club is in real-time communication with key community stakeholders, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.”
On Thursday, authorities said there at least 70 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Washington and 11 people have died.
