A person who attended the Kansas City Chiefs opening game last week along with 16,000 other people has tested positive for the coronavirus, local health officials announced Thursday.
The fan, who was not identified, watched the Sept. 10 game from their group’s box and tested positive the day after the game.
“I want to remind everyone that COVID-19 is anywhere and everywhere. While we’re all tired of it, frustrated and even angry at how it has altered and stricken our lives and livelihoods, we must continue to think of those who have not and will not survive it,” Rex Archer, Kansas City health director, said in a statement.
The health department said once it learned the individual had tested positive, it “quickly activated and reached out through many channels to identify and then contact … people who had close contact with the individual.”
The positive fan came into contact with as many as 10 other people at the stadium that day, the department said. The department contacted every one of those other people, and they are now under quarantine.
“We still don’t understand why it strikes some so viciously while others have only mild symptoms,” Archer said. “If you have an existing or prior health condition such as cancer, diabetes, heart or lung disease, or if you’re older than 65, you should not be taking unnecessary risks like being in large crowds. We hope those around you aren’t taking those risks either and possibly bringing the virus home to you.”
Most professional and college sports teams are not allowing fans at games this year due to public health concerns.
Earlier this week, the Big Ten announced it would resume football games with no fans in attendance in October, a decision President Trump had lobbied for and celebrated once the decision was made to begin play.
“The president wants everybody to reopen,” a senior official told The Hill this week. “This is not just a matter of the Big Ten or the PAC-12 or the Mountain West. He is willing to provide resources to anybody that is reconsidering playing football.”
Current public health guidelines for slowing the spread of the coronavirus include wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.