Canada’s Trudeau is self-quarantining after wife tested for coronavirus

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will self-quarantine “out of an abundance of caution” while his wife Sophie Grégoire undergoes testing for novel coronavirus.

“Having recently returned from a speaking engagement in London, U.K., the Prime Minister’s wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau began exhibiting mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever late last night,” Trudeau’s office said in a statement. “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.”

Trudeau’s office said the prime minister is not exhibiting any symptoms. He will self-isolate and hold his planned First Ministers Meeting by phone and take other briefings, phone calls and virtual meetings from home.

“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,” Trudeau’s office said. “As Canadians, we are fortunate to count on their sound guidance, and we thank them for their tremendous work.”

Canada has reported more than 100 cases of the virus since late January, with one death as of Thursday. More than 127,000 cases and more than 4,700 deaths have been confirmed worldwide.

Updated at 12:40 p.m.