Summary

A part-time employee at CenturyLink Field who worked at the Feb. 22 Seattle Dragons game has tested positive for COVID-19, though risk to fans who attended is low, according to county health officials.

As of now, Seattle’s professional sports organizations – Dragons, First & Goal/Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders FC – will continue with scheduled events. The teams are in touch with local health officials and their respective leagues on a regular basis.

Story

As of now, Seattle’s professional sports organizations – Dragons, First & Goal/Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders FC – will continue with scheduled events. The teams are in touch with local health officials and their respective leagues on a regular basis, as this public health issue continues to evolve. 

Previously scheduled sporting events will proceed as expected for the time being, but with the risk of COVID-19 infection increasing in the community, Public Health – Seattle & King County now recommends, as part of their guidelines issued on Wednesday, that people at higher risk for severe illness should stay home and away from larger groups of people as much as possible. Those at higher risk include people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions, people with weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant.

As an added measure of safety in accordance with the new guidelines from Public Health – Seattle & King County is advising that the listed at-risk members of the community, or any individual who is currently sick, refrain from attending games or matches in the near future, until or unless the guidance from public health authorities changes.

A part-time stadium employee at CenturyLink Field recently tested positive for COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Public Health has worked with the employee and the operator of the stadium, First and Goal, to evaluate potential exposures at the Feb. 22 Seattle Dragons game, and public health officials have determined that the risk of infection to attendees was low. Public Health is following up with a few co-workers with close contacts of the employee at the February 22nd game to provide guidance on appropriate precautions.

County officials advise that no extra precautions are 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.

Nothing is more important to the professional sports teams of King County than the public safety and the wellbeing of their fans at all sporting events. They are working closely with their colleagues at the stadiums to provide a safe matchday experience. The stadium efforts include 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.

Relevant links

• New Public Health recommendations to slow the spread of coronavirus

For more information, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537