Canadian Prime Minister Self-Isolating After Wife Exhibits Flu-Like Symptoms

TORONTO (Sputnik) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-isolating as his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, is being probed for the COVID-19 virus, after exhibiting flu-like symptoms following a speaking engagement in the United Kingdom, communications director Cameron said on Thursday.

"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", Ahmad said in a statement.

Trudeau will perform his duties from home and is urging the public to follow the safety guidelines outlined by Canadian public health officials, the statement said.

According to Health Canada, there are 42 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province of Ontario, 39 cases in British Columbia, 14 cases in Alberta and 7 cases in Quebec.

On 11 March, Canada’s public health agency announced that a Canadian recently repatriated from the Grand Princess cruise ship has tested positive for the presence of the novel coronavirus.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu testified before a parliamentary committee on Wednesday and said that between 30 and 70 percent of Canadians could eventually be infected with COVID-19.

The World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March. The number of cases of infections worldwide has surpassed 126,000 and more than 4,600 people have died from the disease. However, about 68,000 people have recovered from the disease.