Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Gregoire, has tested positive for the coronavirus, a.k.a. COVID-19.
Trudeau’s communications director, Cameron Ahmad tweeted 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.”
Medical professionals have been reaching out to individuals who have been in close contact with Gregoire. Ahmad said the prime minister himself 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,” he added. “Also on the advice of doctors, he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms.”
According to Ahmad’s statement, Trudeau will address Canadians on Friday.
Ahmad added that Gregoire has thanked people and said she has been experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of COVID-19 but she will be back on her feet soon.
She noted that other families and patients in Canada might be facing more serious health issues due to the virus.
Gregoire began exhibiting “mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever” late Wednesday after returning from a speaking engagement in London.
So far, Canada has reported 158 confirmed cases and 1 death. Globally, COVID-19 has affected more than 134,800 and killed over 4,980 people so far, prompting WHO officials to declare the coronavirus a global pandemic.
On Thursday, Canada health officials said they held phone meetings with authorities of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy. They participated in a special committee meeting on the coronavirus outbreak.
The prime minister also discussed the impact of the current economic situation with Canada’s finance minister. He also spoke to leaders of the Canadian Labour Council and Chamber of Commerce to assess the situation.
