KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ten people were asked to quarantine after a potential COVID-19 exposure at the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener, a 34-20 victory against the Houston Texans on Sept. 10 at Arrowhead Stadium.
One person who watched the game from "the lower level of the stadium" tested positive for the virus last Friday, a day after the game, the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department announced Thursday.
The department said everyone who had close contact with the individual was notified and has agreed to quarantine.
The Chiefs said staff who interacted with the person who tested positive wore personal protective equipment.
Every player and coach from the Chiefs and Texans tested negative for the virus after the game.
An Arrowhead Stadium groundskeeper, who had no contact with coaches or players, also tested positive.
One Tier 3 person from last Thursday’s Texans-Chiefs opener – a groundskeeper – tested positive but he was nowhere near the players, per source. A strong start to the season for the NFL and NFLPA. https://t.co/onfVHAOuDP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2020
The Chiefs said in a statement Thursday morning they are cooperating with the health department.
"Compliance with the protocols remains a key component to making this plan effective. We appreciate the professionalism and diligence of the Health Department and will continue to support its efforts in this matter and throughout the season," the Chiefs' statement said.
The Chiefs also said that the person who tested positive wore a mask into the stadium.
"The contact tracing mechanisms that the club has in place, including parking and ticket scanning data, as well as video record review" allowed the Chiefs to expedite a thorough contract-tracing process, the club said.
The Chiefs are requiring all fans — which are limited to 22% capacity, or roughly 17,000 people for games this season — to wear masks and observe other health and safety protocols.
"Compliance with the protocols remains a key component to making this plan effective," the team said. "We appreciate the professionalism and diligence of the Health Department and will continue to support its efforts in this matter and throughout the season.
