Crescent International
Thursday March 12, 2020 - 10:08 pm Toronto Time
It has just been confirmed that Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of the Canadian prime minister, has tested positive for COVID-19, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed.
“Following medical recommendations, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was tested for COVID-19 today. The test came back positive. Also 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," the PMO said in a statement Thursday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier announced that he was self-isolating himself as his wife Sophie Grégoire was exhibiting mild flu-like symptoms and had a low fever last night.
“Having recently returned from a speaking engagement in London, UK, the Prime Minister's wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau began exhibiting mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever late last night,” a PMO press release said.
Trudeau did not attend parliament today and a meeting between Trudeau, the premiers and Indigenous leaders that was scheduled to begin in Ottawa today has been postponed indefinitely in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Messages of sympathy have been pouring in to Trudeau and his wife.
“The doctor’s advice to the Prime Minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given he is exhibiting no symptoms himself. 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 the PMO press release.
In a tweet, Trudeau sent the following message:
@JustinTrudeau: I have some personal news to share today. Sophie recently returned from a speaking event in the UK, and last night she was experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. She’s feeling better, but following the advice of our doctor she is self-isolating as we wait on COVID-19 test results.
There are no plans for Trudeau to be tested at this time. He has not exhibited any symptoms so far.
He will conduct business via telephone including speaking to provincial and territorial leaders to discuss “collective action” to limit the spread of COVID-19.
On March 4, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said experts have suggested the coronavirus could infect 30 to 70 per cent of the population. The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally declared the outbreak a pandemic.
As of midday today, there were at least 137 presumptive and confirmed cases reported in Canada. One person has so far died because of coronavirus.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) still assesses the risk as low to Canadians, but says there is a higher risk of severe outcomes for people older than 65 and for those with lowered immunity or chronic health conditions.
PHAC says it is continuously assessing the situation “as it evolves rapidly.”
Yesterday, the Canadian government announced $1 billion in assistance to companies, hospitals and individuals that may be affected by the coronavirus.
Meantime, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted today that he’s staying home because he’s “feeling unwell.”
His twitter message said: “I have been in contact with a doctor and they do not believe I have symptoms consistent with COVID19. But their advice is for me to limit contact with the public.”
We are not aware if any sympathy or get well messages have been sent to Jagmeet Singh!
Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford attended a conference in Toronto where thousands of people were present.
One person from Sudbury who attended the conference was tested positive raising fears that Ford may also have been infected.
Others have suggested, quite seriously, that given his toxicity, the virus would be killed instantly if it tried to invade Ford’s body.
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