Canadian PM Trudeau goes into self-isolation

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau went into isolation Thursday while his wife awaits results of a coronavirus test.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau returned late Wednesday from a speaking event in the U.K. and began to exhibit mild flu-like symptoms.

She is also self-isolating at home until results of the test are known.

“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,” said a statement from the prime minister’s office.

“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.”

The development means that Trudeau cannot attend a planned meeting with Cabinet ministers.

Instead, Trudeau will discuss the coronavirus situation with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Trudeau is not the only Canadian political leader to go into isolation.

New Democrat Party leader Jagmeet Singh also said he is self-isolating after experience flu-like symptoms.