Concessions Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus In Seattle

SEATTLE, WA — A part-time employee at CenturyLink Field has tested positive for the new coronavirus, county officials announced Thursday. The Seattle Times reports the person is a concessions vendor who worked during a Seattle Dragons game on Feb. 22.

King County said previously scheduled sporting events will continue for the time being, despite recommendations that residents try to avoid large gatherings. Officials said people who are ill or at higher risk for severe illness should stay home, including people over 60, those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

"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," the county wrote.

Related: 70 Coronavirus Cases In Washington, Snohomish Declares Emergency

In a news release, King County said no extra precautions were required for those who attended the Feb. 22 game and the risk of infection was considered low. Public health officials will follow up with co-workers and anyone else identified as having close contact with the employee.

Anyone who develops a cough, fever, or respiratory symptoms is encouraged to contact their health care provider.

County officials outlined newly expanded efforts to keep sporting events safe in the days and weeks ahead:

"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."

The Seattle Sounders posted a statement Thursday outlining precautions that would be in place for Saturday's match against the Columbus Crew SC.

Follow the latest guidance on COVID-19 in King County here.

What is COVID-19? The Department of Health explains:

"COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus. There are no treatments for it. Most people will recover on their own, but some people can develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization."

Symptoms of the new coronavirus are similar to flu or colds and may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell

According to the Department of Health, people should take these steps to reduce their risk of getting and spreading any viral respiratory infections:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.