Canada PM working from home as wife tested for COVID-19

OTTAWA, Canada – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife announced they were self-isolating Thursday, March 12, as she undergoes tests for the new coronavirus after returning from a speaking engagement with “mild flu-like symptoms.”

Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau’s symptoms have subsided since she recently got back from Britain, but as a precaution the prime minister “will spend the day in briefings, phone calls, and virtual meetings from home,” according to a statement.

Trudeau also cancelled a meeting Thursday and Friday, March 13, with Canada’s provincial and territorial leaders in Ottawa, but still planned to speak with them and world leaders by phone about measures being taken to curb the spread of the virus in Canada.

Gregoire-Trudeau’s symptoms had included “a low fever late last night.” She immediately sought medical advice and testing.

Trudeau has exhibited no symptoms, and was advised by doctors “to continue daily activities while self-monitoring.”

“However, out of an abundance of caution, the prime minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie’s results,” said his office.

Since the novel coronavirus first emerged in late December 2019, 127,070 cases have been recorded in 115 countries and territories, killing 4,687 people, according to an Agence France-Presse tally compiled at 1200 GMT on Thursday based on official sources.

Canada has so far reported more than 100 cases in 6 provinces, and one death. – Rappler.com