It's been announced that 16 members of Hinatazaka46 have tested positive for COVID-19.

The group just held their third debut anniversary live '3 Shunen Kinen MEMORIAL LIVE ~3 Kaime no Hinatansai~' on March 30 and 31 at Tokyo Dome. The following day, Takamoto Ayaka was not feeling well so she conducted the PCR test and was confirmed positive for the virus. After her positive diagnosis, the other members were tested and received negative results.

However, on April 3, several members reported that they weren't feeling well, so they were all tested again. As a result, it was revealed that Ushio Sarina, Kato Shiho, Saito Kyoko, Sasaki Kumi, Sasaki Mirei, Higashimura Mei, Kanemura Miku, Kawata Hina, Kosaka Nao, Matsuda Konoka, Miyata Manamo, Watanabe Miho, Uemura Hinano, Takahashi Mikuni, Morimoto Marie, and Yamaguchi Haruyo have all been infected as well. Besides Takamoto and the above-mentioned 16 sixteen members, the others have all tested negative. Those experiencing symptoms are already recovering, and isolating at home while awaiting further instruction from the health center.