SEATTLE — As the Columbus Crew SC prepares for a game on the road against the Seattle Sounders, the team coach and Major Soccer League are addressing concerns surrounding the coronavirus.
As of Thursday, more than 50 cases have been confirmed in Washington state and 11 people have died.
There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio.
KING5 in Seattle reports that the Sounders are maintaining real-time communication with regional health authorities and the MLS.
Thursday, 10TV received notification from a spokesperson with the Crew SC explaining the league has formed a task force to manage the response of the league and its clubs to COVID-19.
That task force is comprised of league executives and the MLS' chief medical officer.
Ahead of the Saturday matchup, Columbus Crew SC coach Caleb Porter says while the focus is on the game, the team is making specific decision to stay safe.
“Everybody is aware of what is happening there and we've had conversations with them about it, and at the end of the day, the game is on as planned. We'll be traveling there and we have to have the mindset that we're going to play,” he said.
“Of course, you do little things like hand sanitizer and probably won’t leave the hotel some of those adjustments, but futbol goes on.”
Porter says there has been no indication that Saturday’s game will be postponed or canceled.
KING5 is reporting CenturyLink Field has installed additional hand sanitizer stations and sanitary wipes will be available at all concession stand locations.
A spokesperson for the Columbus Crew SC issued this statement to 10TV regarding how the MLS handles the virus.
"Major League Soccer has formed a task force to manage the response of the league and its clubs to COVID-19. The task force is comprised of executives responsible for the principal league functions and includes MLS’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Margot Putukian. The league is in direct contact with the relevant governmental agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Public Health Agency of Canada and is also coordinating with other sporting organizations. The task force has been monitoring the most recent developments and communicating with MLS clubs regarding appropriate measures to take as the situation continues to evolve."
