On Sunday, 40,126 fans gathered at CenturyLink Field to watch the Sounders open their MLS season with a come-from-behind, 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire. They did so a day after Gov. Jay Inslee had declared a state of emergency across Washington — and with additional hand-sanitizer stations installed in key areas of the stadium, and sanitary wipes available at all concession stands.
In the days since, the confirmed cases of COVID-19 — the illness caused by the novel coronavirus — have risen to 70, including 11 deaths, statewide (as of Thursday afternoon). More specifically, 51 of those cases, and 10 deaths, have come in King County.