MNI POLICY: Canada PM's Wife Tested For Virus; PM Cancels Meet

By Greg Quinn

     OTTAWA (MNI) - The Canadian prime minister's wife is being tested for

COVID-19 after a recent trip to London, while Justin Trudeau reports no symptoms

but is canceling a meeting with regional leaders Thursday.

     "Having recently returned from a speaking engagement in London, UK, the

Prime Minister's wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau began exhibiting mild flu-like

symptoms including a low fever late last night," the prime minister'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."

     "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."

     "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."

     Trudeau held a press conference Wednesday with several key ministers to

announce a CAD1 billion package to help the country contain the virus outbreak.

Canada has reported 103 cases and 1 death from COVID-19.

--MNI Ottawa Bureau; +1 613-314-9647; email: greg.quinn@marketnews.com

[TOPICS: M$C$$$,MC$$$$,MI$$$$,MT$$$$]