TLTP
PARIS
French president Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for coronavirus.
The 42-year-old will self-isolate for the next week but is “still in charge” and will run the country from the Elysee Palace, the presidency said.
“The president tested positive for Covid-19 today (Thursday),” a statement said, adding he had been tested after the “onset of the first symptoms”.
“(Mr Macron) will self-isolate for seven days. He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely.”
It is not known how Macron contracted Covid-19 but officials are tracking down his close contacts.
Among those Macron met in recent days is Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa, who held talks with the French leader in Paris on Wednesday. Mr Macron was also at a European Council heads of state meeting last week.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self- isolate after coming into contact with Mr Macron over the last few days. All of Mr Macron’s upcoming trips – including a visit to Lebanon next week – have been cancelled, a French official said.
France this week imposed an overnight curfew to help deal with soaring cases. While shops are open, restaurants and cafes as well as theatres and cinemas remain closed.
The recording of more than 17,000 new cases on Wednesday alone has generated concern as people shop and travel more intensely ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Mr Macron is the latest world leader to contract the disease, with US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro also testing positive.
