Japanese Princess Hospitalized after Contracting COVID-19

Japanese princess Yoko contracted the novel coronavirus and developed moderate pneumonia, the Imperial Household Agency announced on Wednesday.

Yoko, 38, was the first in the imperial family to contract the virus. She was transferred to the University of Tokyo Hospital from a hospital inside the Imperial Palace following the diagnosis, according to the agency.

On the other hand, her sister Princess Akiko, 40, whom she met several days ago, tested negative.

Yoko, the younger daughter of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, a cousin of former Emperor Akihito, complained of a sore throat Monday and tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.

The infection route remains unknown as the princess had not attended any gathering involving food and drinks recently, according to the agency. Also, no one among her staff tested positive so far.

Princess Yoko serves as the head of Tokyo-based social welfare corporation Yuai Jujikai, as well as the honorary president of the Japan Universal Sound Design Association, a nonprofit organization that helps people with hearing loss.