Coronavirus: Canadian PM Trudeau in isolation after wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau tests positive for virus

Trudeau not tested himself as prime minister is not exhibiting symptoms, his office says

The Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau will be isolated for two weeks after his wife tested positive for coronavirus.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau recently returned to Canada from London and was experiencing flu-like symptoms, so was tested for Covid-19 infection, the prime minister’s office said in a statement on Thursday night. She is now feeling well but would remain in isolation.

There are currently no plans to test Mr Trudeau himself, his office said. “The prime minister is in good health with no symptoms. As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days,” a statement read.

The prime minister would resume his duties on Friday, his office said, conducting meetings via telephone. None of the couple’s three children were exhibiting symptoms either.

“Also on the advice of doctors, he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms. For the same reason, doctors say there is no risk to those who have been in contact with him recently,” the statement said.

Canada has 145 confirmed cases, a three-fold increase on last week, and one death – an elderly nursing home resident in British Columbia. Seven of the country’s 10 provinces have recorded infections.

On Thursday the province of Ontario, Canada’s most populous, announced it was closing all schools until 5 April. Quebec premier Francois Legault asked all people returning from travel abroad to self-isolate for 14 days. The measure will be mandatory for all government employees.

And the National Hockey League suspended its season because of the outbreak, although it said its goal was to resume play "as soon as it is appropriate and prudent", so teams can compete for the Stanley Cup championship.

Ms Trudeau issued a statement thanking those who have offered messages of support.

“Although I'm experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon,” she said. “Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns.”

Working from home on Thursday, Mr Trudeau spoke with US president Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte and joined a special cabinet meeting on the coronavirus by phone, his spokesman said on Twitter.

The Pacific province of British Columbia, north of Washington state, advised against all non-essential foreign travel, including to the US. Washington is one of the worst-affected states.

Any warning that involves the US is politically sensitive, given the two countries' 5,525 mile (8,890km) shared border and Canada's overwhelming reliance on bilateral trade.

"This is really important ... the evolving situation both in the US and globally is a risk for all of us," British Columbia's provincial chief medical officer, Bonnie Henry, told reporters.

Alberta's chief medical officer, Deena Hinshaw, banned gatherings of more than 250 people and cancelled all international events. Ms Hinshaw also discouraged foreign travel.

Quebec, which has recorded 13 cases, has banned all indoor events with more than 250 people and said people returning from any foreign country should self-isolate for 14 days. Health and education public sector workers who travel abroad will be required to self-isolate.

Separately, Canadian authorities cancelled the Juno music awards, Canada's version of the Grammys, and Toronto's annual St Patrick's Day parade was suspended.

Ottawa committed C$1bn (£580m) on Wednesday towards bolstering the healthcare system and limiting the impact of the virus, while Ontario said on Thursday it had set aside C$100m in "contingency funding".

On Thursday, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the public health crisis alone would cost the country "well north of C$10bn".

Additional reporting by agencies