Society

SKE48’s Nao Fukushi tests positive for coronavirus, 15 other members close contacts

Dec 28 (tokyoreporter.com) - Nao Fukushi, a member of idol group SKE48, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, and more than one dozen fellow members have been deemed to have been close contacts, the group revealed on Sunday.

According to a message posted on the group web site, Fukushi, 21, began feeling ill on December 21. A subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test gave a negative result.

She remained home to recover. However, when her condition did not improve, she took another PCR test on December 25, which gave the positive result.

Fukushi will continue recovering at home until January 3.

Nao Fukushi (YouTube)

The group also said that fifteen members were found to be in close contact with Fukushi, including Kimie Akahori, Aika Sugiyama, Nanami Takeuchi, Rika Tsuzuki, Miyo Nomura, Chikako Matsumoto, Ayaka Ota, Mina Oba, Yukino Shirai, Fuyaka Fujimoto, Kaede Ikeda, Kaho Sato, Oka Suenaga, Marika Tani and Negai Fukai.

Though none of the 15 members are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, they will refrain from performing in public beginning on Monday.

“We would like to sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and concern caused to all relevant parties and fans,” the agency said. “We will continue to seek guidance from government agencies, including health centers and medical institutions, to thoroughly manage the physical condition of the group’s members and staff to prevent the spread of infection.”

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