Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in self-isolation due to coronavirus concerns

Story by CBC Kids News • Published 2020-03-12 15:00
UPDATE: On March 13, it was confirmed that Sophie Grégoire Trudeau had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. On March 28, she announced she had recovered.

Prime minister’s wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau being tested for COVID-19

Some Canadians are thanking Justin Trudeau for leading by example.

The prime minister announced on Thursday that he was self-isolating — working from home and separating himself from other people — after his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, returned from a WE Day event in England with mild flu-like symptoms.

As a precaution during the coronavirus outbreak, health officials are asking people to self-isolate if they have recently returned from a high-risk country such as China, Italy, South Korea or Iran.

England is not currently on that list, but Trudeau said he and his wife are following their doctor’s advice to stay at home.

Their three kids also stayed home from school.

Tweet from Trudeau says I have some personal news to share today. Sophie recently returned from a speaking event in the UK, and last night she was experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. She's feeling better, but following the advice of our doctor she is self-isolating as we wait on COVID-19 test results.

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has been tested for COVID-19, which is the official name of the disease caused by the coronavirus, and she is waiting for the results.

The Prime Minister’s Office said she’s already feeling better and the prime minister is not showing any symptoms.

Whether or not they agree with his politics, some Canadians took to social media to thank Justin Trudeau for staying at home.

Tweet from Christina Whitfield says Thank you for setting the example of what we are supposed to be doing. Hope Sophie gets better soon. Take good care of all of you.

On Twitter, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also announced he’s staying home because he isn’t feeling well.

He said his doctor doesn’t think he has COVID-19, but he’s playing it safe.

Tweet from Jagmeet Singh says Friends, I am at home today, feeling unwell. I have been in contact with a doctor and they do not believe I have symptoms consistent with COVID 19 but their advice is for me to limit contact with the public until I am feeling better.

According to the government of Canada, self-isolation is only necessary if you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 or been in close contact with somebody who has.

What is self-isolation?

Still, staying home if you’re sick is smart, said Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, and might help slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

Some of these measures might seem a bit “extreme,” Tam said, but taking action now will help in the long run.

Whether you’re the prime minister or just a kid, here are some tips for protecting yourself and others:

With files from Kathleen Harris/CBC News

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