Canada’s Trudeau to self-isolate due to wife’s illness

OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in self-isolation and working from home while his wife awaits the results of a COVID-19 test.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau had been exhibitingflu-like symptoms after recently returning from a speaking engagement in London, the prime minister’s office said in a statement. While her symptoms have subsided, she’s self-isolating at home as she awaits the test results. The prime minister isn’t exhibiting any symptoms.

“The doctor’s advice to the Prime Minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given he is exhibiting no symptoms himself,” according to the statement. “However, out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie’s results.”

With parliament in session, Trudeau has been in Ottawa all week, holding meetings with Cabinet ministers and lawmakers from his governing Liberal Party. He also took part in debates in the

Canadian Minister of Health Patty Hajdu looks on as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks Wednesday in Ottawa. legislature. At a news conference Wednesday, where he announced C$1.1 billion ($800 million) in funding to respond to the health crisis, Trudeau said he hadn’t been tested for COVID-19.

A meeting with provincial leaders scheduled for today in Ottawa is being postponed, and Trudeau will speak with the premiers over the phone instead.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have urged Canadians to take all necessary precautions and follow medical advice in order to stay safe,” the prime minister’s office said. “This is what the Prime Minister and his family are doing.”