Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, wife to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has tested positive for the new coronavirus.
In a statement Thursday night, Trudeau’s office said: “Following medical recommendations, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was tested for COVID-19 today. The test came back positive.”
The statement says she will remain in isolation.
“She is feeling well, is taking all the recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild,” it said, adding that health care workers will “reach out to those who have been in contact with Mrs. Grégoire Trudeau as they deem necessary.”
The Prime Minister’s Office statement also included a message from Sophie herself, thanking everyone who has reached out to her with questions about her health.
“Although I’m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon,” she says in the message.
“Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns.”
Sophie’s message contained encouragement: “We will get through this situation together. Please share the facts and take your health seriously. I send you all my courage and warm thoughts (but only ‘get better’ hugs from afar!).”
Earlier Thursday, Trudeau also went into isolation as Sophie awaited test results. She was tested for the new coronavirus after she experienced symptoms upon her return from a trip to the U.K., where she had been carrying out speaking engagements.
The statement said he is in “good health with no symptoms.”
“As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days,” the PMO said.
“Also on the advice of doctors, he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms. For the same reason, doctors say there is no risk to those who have been in contact with him recently.”
Trudeau is expected to address the country on Friday: “The Prime Minister will continue to fully assume his duties and will address Canadians tomorrow.”
According to his office, he spoke with several world leaders over the phone on Thursday, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Friday, he plans on speaking with leaders of National Indigenous Organizations as well as premiers of provinces and territories across Canada “to take stock of the COVID-19 situation and coordinate our actions.”
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As of March 12, Canada has seen 150 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Globally, it has resulted in more than 125,000 infections and more than 4,600 deaths.
Confused about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials say the risk is very low for Canadians, but they caution against travel to affected areas (a list can be found here). If you do travel to these places, they recommend you self-monitor to see whether you develop symptoms and if you do, to contact public health authorities.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing – very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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