Coronavirus: Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife tests positive

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has tested positive for coronavirus after developing “flu-like symptoms”.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife has tested positive for the coronavirus, it has been confirmed.

Mr Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, began to show mild symptoms of illness on Wednesday after a speaking engagement in the UK.

The PM had not shown any symptoms, but as a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he has entered into isolation for a planned period of 14 days, a statement from his office issued to the NY Post read.

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Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is self-isolating after his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau began to show ‘flu-like symptoms’ on Wednesday. Picture: Dave Chan/AFP

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“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,” Mrs Trudeau said in a statement. “Although I’m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon.

“Being at quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns.”

Mr Trudeau took to his personal Twitter account to tell his 4 million followers on Friday (AEST) about his situation prior to Sophie’s positive results.

“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,” he said.

“She’s feeling better, but following the advice of our doctor she is self-isolating as we wait on COVID-19 test results.”

He said “out of an abundance of caution” he too will be self-isolating and self-monitoring until Sophie’s results are back.

“But I’ll be busy working from home,” he said.

Justin wasn’t showing any symptoms and while Sophie (pictured) is feeling better the pair are self-isolating until she gets her coronavirus test results back. Picture: Geoff Robins/AFP

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The Canadian PM was due to hold meetings over the next two days in Ottawa with provincial premiers and First Nations leaders, something he said he was looking forward to, but “given the circumstances” meetings have been postponed.

“In the meantime, we’ll speak on the phone about how we can mitigate the spread and impact of COVID-19 and keep Canadians safe,” he said.

The news comes after Hollywood actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson also tested positive on Thursday.

UK Health Minister Nadine Dorries is currently in isolation after she tested positive to the infection on March 6.

Ms Dorries’ full symptoms didn’t show until the next day where she was holding a constituency event in her electorate of Mid Bedfordshire, north of London.

A number of other politicians around the world have also been self-isolating after coming into possible contact with the virus including five senior US Republicans and a Canadian cabinet minister.

UK Health Minister Nadine Dorries has become the first MP in the UK to be diagnosed with coronavirus. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Tom Hanks his wife Rita Wilson have both tested positive to coronavirus in Australia. Picture: Backgrid

Mongolia’s president recently returned to work following a 14-day quarantine after a visit to China in February.

At this stage it has not been confirmed whether Mr Trudeau is also being tested for the virus.

In his most recent tweet, Mr Trudeau said he spoke to Italy’s PM Giuseppe Conte about the need for international co-ordination on the response to the virus.

“Italy has been hit particularly hard by the virus and Canadians stand in solidarity with the Italian people,” he said.

Italy’s death toll has now passed 1000 making it the worst affected European country hit by coronavirus, with 15,113 confirmed cases – a day on day increase of 21.7 per cent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic yesterday – with the number of patients who have contracted the disease soaring over 126,000, Australia having 161 cases.

However, WHO stressed about 80% of people with COVID-19 will recover without needing any specialist treatment, stating one person in six becomes seriously ill “and develops difficulty breathing”.