Sweden Princess helps medics combating virus

The 35-year-old princess will be assisting staff at the Sophiahemmet Hospital, of which she is a patron, with non-medical tasks. The course was originally set up as an opportunity for Scandinavian Airlines staff to retrain after large numbers were laid off.

Stockholm: Sweden's Princess Sofia has completed a three-day training course and is set to start work as a health care assistant at a Stockholm hospital to help with the coronavirus pandemic.

The 35-year-old princess will be assisting staff at the Sophiahemmet Hospital, of which she is a patron, with non-medical tasks.

The course was originally set up as an opportunity for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) staff to retrain after large numbers were laid off.

Participants have completed lessons on infectious diseases, hygiene protocol, patient confidentiality and communication.

As of Friday, Sweden had confirmed over 13,200 COVID-19 cases and 1,400 deaths.

Sweden's Princess Sofia (center) poses for the media with registered nurse Gustav Westoo (left) and assitant nurse Anna Kyhlstedt on her first day at work at Sophiahemmet hospital, of which she is the patron, in Stockholm.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness including pneumonia and could lead to death.

(With inputs from AP)