OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in self-isolation as his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, is being tested for COVID-19.
The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement Thursday that Grégoire Trudeau had recently returned from a speaking engagement in London, U.K. She began “exhibiting mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever late last night,” it read.
“She immediately sought medical advice, and is being tested for the COVID-19 virus. She is self-isolating at home awaiting test results, and her symptoms have since subsided.”
The prime minister is exhibiting no symptoms himself, the statement said.
Trudeau was scheduled to meet with premiers and Indigenous leaders Thursday and Friday, but those meetings have since been postponed. The prime minister said he had been looking forward to the first ministers meeting and that leaders will have conference call discussions instead.
Grégoire Trudeau was in London to speak at a WE Day event last week, the PMO confirmed to HuffPost Canada. Thousands of people attended the youth empowerment event at SSE Arena. Celebrity speakers included Grégoire Trudeau, the prime minister’s mother Margaret Trudeau, actor Idris Alba, and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, is characterized by coughing, fever, and shortness of breath though symptoms may not appear until 14 days after exposure. Due to its geographic spread, it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on Wednesday.
The virus, which originated in China, has infected more than 113,000 people worldwide and killed more than 4,000, according to the WHO, but a large majority have recovered. In Canada, there have been about 100 cases so far, with one death at a B.C. care home.
Trudeau is not the only federal party leader in self-isolation. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted Thursday that he’s feeling “unwell” and is staying home as a precaution.
Two cabinet ministers have also opted to err on the side of caution and stay home. Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan tweeted Tuesday that he feels “fine” but is working from home while he has a persistent cough checked out.
International Trade Minister Mary Ng said she was tested for COVID-19 after her asthma began acting up. Following the advice of doctors, she will work from home for the time being, she said.
Trudeau’s decision to self-isolate comes a day after he told reporters he hasn’t been tested for the COVID-19 virus. He told reporters he’s following recommendations from the chief public health officer.
“I myself have been modifying my schedule in order to adapt travel plans so that I’m not interfering with any work that’s being done on the ground,” the prime minister said in French.