French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19

French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for COVID-19 and will self-isolate for the next week, as virus cases surge in Europe.

French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for COVID-19. Picture: Ludovic Marin / AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for COVID-19 and will self isolate for the next week, the President’s office confirmed on Thursday.

“The president tested positive for COVID-19 today (Thursday),” it said in a statement, saying the test had been done at the “onset of the first symptoms”.

Macron will now self-isolate for seven days in accordance with French regulations.

“He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely,” his office said.

The result comes after a week in which he met with top leaders including Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and President of the European Council Charles Michel.

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French President Emmanuel Macron will work from home for seven days. Picture: GONZALO FUENTES / POOL / AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa (R) for a working lunch at the Elysee presidential palace. Picture: Thomas SAMSON / AFP

Macron joins British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Donald Trump and Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro to have tested positive to the disease.

France is suffering from a second wave of infections like much of Europe but recently eased restrictions as cases fell.

The country is still subject to a nationwide curfew of 8pm while restaurants, cafe and cinemas remain closed.

Over 59,300 people have died in France of coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, according to official figures.

The recording of over 17,000 new cases on Wednesday alone has also generated concern as people shop and travel more intensely ahead of the Christmas holidays.

Germany has also plunged back into lockdown over the Christmas break, while the UK will announce tougher restrictions for many parts of the country on Thursday.

– With wires

French police officers demonstrate in Paris over working conditions amid the pandemic. Picture: GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP.