French president Emmanuel Macron tests positive for coronavirus
17 December 2020, 09:33 | Updated: 17 December 2020, 16:56
French president Emmanuel Macron is self isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.
According to a statement from the Elysee Palace, 42-year-old Mr Macron tested positive after displaying some symptoms.
The statement read: "This diagnosis was made following an RTPCR test performed at the onset of the first symptoms.
"In accordance with the health instructions in force applicable to all, the President of the Republic will isolate himself for 7 days. He will continue to work and ensure his activities remotely."
It is not know if his wife Brigitte, 67, also has the virus.
Shortly after the statement was released it was announced Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has suspended public activities and is self-isolating following Mr Macron's diagnosis.
Prime Minister Jean Castex, 55, is now also self-isolating as he is considered to be a "close contact", officials confirmed.
Sorry to hear my friend @EmmanuelMacron has tested positive for coronavirus. We are all wishing you a speedy recovery.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 17, 2020
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson wished Mr Macron well in statement released on Twitter.
He said: "Sorry to hear my friend Emmanuel Maacron has tested positive for coronavirus. We are all wishing you a speedy recovery."
France is currently under strict coronavirus restrictions, with an overnight curfew having been brought in this week in an effort to curb increasing cases.
So far, France has had over 2 million confirmed cases of Covid-19 and almost 60,000 deaths.
More to follow...
