A member of the New York City FC sporting department has tested positive for coronavirus.
The staff member displayed mild symptoms, but is feeling well while observing isolation protocols, according to a team release Thursday. With the direction of local infectious disease specialists, players, team staff and those believed to have close contact with the individual were asked to self-isolate and report any symptoms they experience to the team’s medical personnel.
The club affirmed no other cases within NYCFC have been identified at this time.
“We will continue to be diligent and work closely with our team of medical experts to do our part to keep our community safe, healthy and informed,” NYCFC CEO Brad Sims said. “Though we do not believe any fans or members of the public have been put at risk, sharing information is vital at this time and we will continue to proactively update with any further details or confirmed cases. Soccer is a team sport, and one thing we can implement during this challenging period is how to work together.”
NYCFC’s announcement comes hours after Major League Soccer extended the suspension on playing games. This was in accordance with the CDC’s recommendation that all mass gathers of 50 or more people be canceled for at least eight weeks.
Last Wednesday, NYCFC hosted Liga MX squad Tigres UANL in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals at Red Bull Arena. The New York Red Bulls, who had staff working that game, said they aware of the confirmed COVID-19 case.
The Red Bulls informed staff members who worked that Champions League game, but have consulted with club medical officials and determined those individuals are at “low risk for exposure, given limited interaction with NYCFC personnel and the time between the match and beginning of symptoms.”
NYCFC are the second MLS team to have a staff member test positive. A staff member for the Seattle Sounders who worked the team’s last match against Columbus Crew SC March 7 tested positive over the weekend.