Canada PM Justin’s wife tests positive for coronavirus

Justin Trudeau's wife has tested positive for novel coronavirus, his office said late on Thursday, while assuring the public the Canadian prime minister is fine.

Canada's leader and his 44-year-old wife announced on Thursday they were selfisolating while she was tested for coronavirus after a public event.

“Sophie GregoireTrudeau was tested for COVID-19 today. The test came back positive,” the Prime Minister's office said in a statement, adding she would remain in isolation and her symptoms were mild. “The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms,” the statement said, noting he would also be in isolation for two weeks and on the advice of his doctors will not be tested for the virus.

It follows several provinces in Canada which so far has reported nearly 150 cases in six states, and one death unveiling stricter measures to combat the spread of the virus while sporting events and entertainment galas were cancelled.

The PM would continue his duties, his office said, and would address the country on Saturday.

Trudeau, 48, held several meetings over the phone on Thursday, including with the special cabinet committee on COVID-19, his office said, and also spoke with the leaders of Italy, the US and Britain.

On Friday he will talk with indigenous leaders, as well as provincial and territorial premiers to coordinate Canada's response to the virus, and “limit the economic impact on the country.”

After experiencing some mild symptoms following her return from the UK, according to an earlier statement, Gregoire-Trudeau immediately sought medical advice and testing.