Prince Albert II has become the first head of state to test positive for the coronavirus as the worldwide pandemic spreads.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco announced the diagnosis in a Thursday statement, which said the 62-year-old monarch was tested earlier in the week and that he is being treated by doctors for the illness, although his condition is not a cause for concern.
Since his diagnosis, Albert has reportedly continued to work and has been in contact with other officials in the small European country.
“His Serene Highness urges the people of Monaco to respect containment measures and to limit contact with others to a minimum,” the statement said. “Only the rigorous observance of these containment rules will stop the spread of the virus.”
Monaco has had seven confirmed cases of the flu-like virus in the country of fewer than 40,000 people. Albert became ruler in 2005 after the death of his father and is one of the wealthiest royals in the world.
Other world leaders have been tested for the virus, including President Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Both tested negative.
Worldwide, there have been at least 230,000 cases of the coronavirus, about 84,500 recoveries, and at least 9,358 deaths, according to the latest reading by the Johns Hopkins University tracker.
