Emmanuel Macron tests positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating
Emmanuel Macron tests positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating
- The 42-year-old took a test ‘as soon as first symptoms appeared,’ his office said
- Macron will isolate for seven days but plans to continue running the country
- President has been centre stage in Brexit negotiations between UK and EU
- Only yesterday he embraced the PM of Portugal, 59, at the Elysee Palace
French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating.
The 42-year-old took a test ‘as soon as the first symptoms appeared,’ the Elysee Palace said in a brief statement.
Mr Macron will isolate for seven days but plans to continue running the country via video conference.
Frantic contact tracing is now afoot as the president has been centre stage in Brexit negotiations and only yesterday embraced the Prime Minister of Portugal in Paris.
It is not clear whether his 67-year-old wife Brigitte is staying at the Elysee Palace at this time or how Mr Macron proposes to isolate from her.
French President Emmanuel Macron, 42, meeting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa on Wednesday
WEDNESDAY: French President Emmanuel Macron with Prime Minister Of Portugal Antonio Costa, 59, at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday
LAST THURSDAY: Macron speaking with the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen amid tense Brexit discussions – the virus has an incubation period of up to 14 days
MONDAY: Macron welcomes European Council President Charles Michel to the palace
MONDAY: French President Emmanuel Macron pats Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on the back as he arrives for work at the palace on Monday
MONDAY: Macron shakes hands and holds 70-year-old Angel Gurria, the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, on Monday at the palace
The French president is one of several heads of state and government around the world who have contracted Covid-19, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.
France earlier this week eased restrictions imposed to battle the second wave of the coronavirus but infection rates remain high.
There is still a nationwide overnight curfew from 8 pm to halt the spread of the virus while restaurants and cafes as well as theatres and cinemas remain closed.
Over 59,300 people have died in France of coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, according to official figures.
The recording of over 17,000 new cases on Wednesday alone has also generated concern as people shop and travel more intensely ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Like other EU states, France is pinning its hopes on a vaccine to quell the virus and Prime Minister Jean Castex said Wednesday the country will receive around 1.16 million Covid-19 vaccine doses by year end.
MONDAY: Macron (l) speaks to Louise Ekland on stage during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 draw at Palais Brongniart
MONDAY: Macron, without a mask, bumps elbows with the OECD’s 70-year-old Secretary General Angel Gurria on Monday
WEDNESDAY: Macron, right, and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa answer reporters