Justin Trudeau in isolation after his wife tests positive for coronavirus

Justin Trudeau is in isolation after his wife tested positive for coronavirus.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, left, and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau attend a rally in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Justin Trudeau is in isolation after his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau tested positive to coronavirus. Source: AAP

The wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tested positive for the new coronavirus, his office said late Thursday.

"Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau was tested for COVID-19 today. The test came back positive," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

"Following medical advice, she will remain in isolation for the time being. She is feeling well, is taking all the recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild," it said.
"The prime minister is in good health with no symptoms. As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days," but will not be tested.

"The prime minister will continue to fully assume his duties and will address Canadians tomorrow."

Mr Trudeau and his wife had announced earlier Thursday they were self-isolating while she underwent tests for the COVID-19 illness after returning from a speaking engagement.

Ms Gregoire-Trudeau's symptoms, after returning from Britain, had included "a low fever late last night," an earlier statement said. She immediately sought medical advice and testing.

The prime minister is spending the day in briefings, phone calls, and virtual meetings from home, including speaking with other world leaders and joining a special Cabinet committee discussion on the new coronavirus.

Mr Trudeau spoke with US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, but cancelled an in-person meeting with Canada's provincial premiers.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau. Source: The Canadian Press
Canada's Opposition NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is also working from home after feeling unwell.

Mr Singh said he's been in contact with a doctor and they do not believe he has the virus but was advised to limit contact with the public until he feels better.

Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is closing schools until 5 April.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault is asking all people returning from travel abroad to self-isolate for 14 days. The measure will be mandatory for all government employees.

He is also asking organisers to cancel all indoor events attracting crowds of more than 250 people and all other large gatherings that are not considered essential. Alberta and British Columbia are also urging all events with more than 250 people be cancelled.

Canada has more than 140 confirmed cases, with one death - an elderly nursing home resident in British Columbia.

Additional reporting by AAP


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Published 13 March 2020 2:38pm



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