Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirms his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau tested positive for COVID-19.
He spoke to reporters outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, calling his wife’s symptoms “mild” but pointing out they are taking precautions.
“We have full confidence in Canada’s health officials and professionals. This means that upon my doctor’s recommendation, I will remain in self-isolation for 14 days,” Trudeau says, “I want to be clear: I have no symptoms, and I’m feeling good.”
He says his lack of symptoms means there is “no value” in being tested for the virus himself.
The Prime Minister will speak with Premiers and Indigenous leaders later today to discuss the situation and coordinate their efforts, adding they will take more steps to lessen the impact of COVID-19.
He acknowledged Canadians’ fears and concerns, including economic worries. “The steps being taken to keep you safe have an economic impact. But what is also true is we are in the enviable position of having significant fiscal firepower available to support you,” Trudeau explains, adding they will offer more financial help so Canadians don’t have to choose between self-isolating or going to work to pay their bills.
On top of the $1-billion Coronavirus Response Fund announced this week, Trudeau says “We need to make sure that Canadians have the options and the ability to follow the best public health advice and keep themselves safe. That is what we are focused on, and we will be rolling out those measures in the coming days.”
He says the federal Finance Minister is in talks with his international counterparts to “mitigate the impacts of the virus on the global economy” and will have more to say Friday afternoon.
There are currently 152 confirmed cases nationwide, and another three “probable” cases.
(With files from Colin Redston)
