Coronavirus: Justin Trudeau self-isolates as wife Sophie tests positive
13 March 2020, 07:05
The wife of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has tested positive for Covid-19.
Mr Trudeau's office said Sophie Gregoire Trudeau is felling well and will remain in isolation, but that the PM has gone into isolation after his wife's coronavirus test result.
A statement 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."
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"Out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie's results," the statement said.
His office said the doctor's advice to the prime minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given that he is exhibiting no symptoms himself.
He is spending the day in briefings, phone calls and virtual meetings from home, including speaking to other world leaders and joining a special cabinet committee discussion on the new coronavirus.
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Mr Trudeau has also cancelled an in-person meeting with Canada's provincial premiers.
Opposition NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is also working from home after feeling unwell.
Mr Singh said he has been in contact with a doctor and they do not believe he has the virus but he was advised to limit contact with the public until he feels better.
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Quebec premier Francois Legault, meanwhile, 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.
