On February 16th, it was announced that NMB48 members Abe Wakana, Izumi Ayano, Umeyama Cocona, Kawakami Chihiro, Shinzawa Nao, Haasa Minami, Hongo Yuzuha, and Yamamoto Mikana have all tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the announcement, Hongo was determined to be a close contact on the 12th. Although she tested negative after a PCR test and was isolating at home, she broke out with a fever on the 13th. She conducted another PCR test and was confirmed positive for the virus. Similarly, Yamamoto was also a close contact on the 12th, and received a negative result at first. However, she had a fever on the 14th so she was re-tested and learned that she was infected with the virus. Details regarding the other six members have not been revealed. 

Besides the eight members, NMB48 captain Kojima Karin and Jonishi Rei have both tested positive on the 12th.