Justin Trudeau Goes Into Self-Isolation After Wife Tests Positive For Coronavirus Following Return From UK
Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in self-isolation after his wife tested positive for the new coronavirus following her return from the UK, it emerged on Thursday night.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau was felling well and would also remain in isolation, the prime minister’s office confirmed.
She had been in London for the WE Day event at Wembley’s SSE Arena on March 4, an international youth event which was attended by an estimated 18,000 people.
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, TV chef Jamie Oliver and actor Idris Elba were among other speakers at the event.
“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,” a statement added.
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.
“Also on the advice of doctors, he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms. For the same reason, doctors say there is no risk to those who have been in contact with him recently,” the statement said.
The office said he would resume his duties on Friday.
Mrs Gregoire Trudeau issued a statement thanking those who have reached out.
“Although I’m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon,” she said. “Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns.”
I have some additional news to share this evening. Unfortunately, the results of Sophie’s COVID-19 test are positive. Therefore, she will be in quarantine for the time being. Her symptoms remain mild and she is taking care of herself and following the advice of our doctor.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 13, 2020
The couple have three children, but Mr Trudeau’s wife is the only member of the family with symptoms, the prime minister’s office said.
Though self-quarantining himself, Mr Trudeau 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 coronavirus. Mr Trudeau spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.
But Mr Trudeau did cancel an in-person meeting with Canada’s provincial premiers.
Opposition NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was also working from home after feeling unwell. Mr Singh said he had 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 April 5.
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.
