Justin Trudeau is self-isolating after his wife tested positive for COVID-19: PMO’s statement

Updated March 13, 12:30 p.m. with the PMO’s latest statement confirming Sophie Grégoire Trudeau’s COVID-19 diagnosis

Dear Press Gallery,

Here’s a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office:

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.

Health professionals will reach out to those who have been in contact with Mrs. Grégoire Trudeau as they deem necessary.

The Prime Minister 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. 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.

The Prime Minister will continue to fully assume his duties and will address Canadians tomorrow.

Today, he held several meetings over the phone. He spoke with the leaders of Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom, he participated in a meeting of the special cabinet committee on COVID-19, he held a meeting with the Minister of Finance on the current economic situation, and he also spoke with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the President of the Canada Labour Council.

Tomorrow, he will speak with the leaders of National Indigenous Organisations and provincial and territorial premiers to take stock of the COVID-19 situation and coordinate our actions to protect Canadians and limit the economic impact on the country. All orders of government will continue to work tirelessly and in close collaboration.

Canada has a well-equipped public health system to deal with the spread of COVID-19. The Prime Minister and Mrs. Grégoire Trudeau thank all of Canada’s health professionals and the Public Health Agency of Canada who are doing an incredible job in protecting all Canadians. We continue to encourage all Canadians to follow their advice and recommendations. We recognize people are anxious, which is why we will work nonstop to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Since the beginning of the outbreak, all our decisions have been based on the best advice and evidence from our public health experts – that is how we will reduce the risk to Canadians.
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Personal message from Sophie:

To all my friends, family, beloved Canadians, and allies everywhere,

First, I’d like to say a big thank you to all of you who have reached out to me asking how I’m doing. Although I’m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon. 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.

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!)

Sincerely,

Sophie

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Dear Press Gallery,

Please find below a statement from our office.

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.

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 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.

READ: Coronavirus: What Canada can expect to happen in the next two weeks

Based on these events and the broader, evolving COVID-19 situation across Canada, the in-person First Ministers Meeting will be postponed. However, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister will speak with First Ministers over the phone to discuss our collective action to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep Canadians safe.

The Prime Minister will spend the day in briefings, phone calls, and virtual meetings from home, including speaking with other world leaders and joining the special COVID-19 cabinet committee discussion.

We continue to base all our decisions on the best evidence, science, and advice from our highly trained medical professionals and public health officials to protect the wellbeing of Canadians and reduce the risks of COVID-19 to our country. As Canadians, we are fortunate to count on their sound guidance, and we thank them for their tremendous work.

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. This is what the Prime Minister and his family are doing.

MORE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS:

• Could Canada be ‘flattening the curve’ of coronavirus cases?
• Coronavirus: What it is, how it spreads, who’s at risk
• COVID-19 in Canada: What will happen next?