French President self-isolates after contracting coronavirus

PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron will self-isolate himself until the next week as he has tested positive for coronavirus.

The news was confirmed by the presidency, “The president tested positive for Covid-19 today,” it said in a statement, adding that he had been tested after the“onset of the first symptoms. President Macron will now, in accordance with national regulations, self isolate for seven days. He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely, it said.

Moreover, his trip including an upcoming visit to Lebanon on which was scheduled for 22nd December has also been postponed. Macron was at a European Council heads of state meeting on 10th to 11th December where he might have contracted the virus.

The French president is one of several heads of state and government around the world who have contracted coronavirus, 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. Up to 59,300 people have died in France of coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, according to official figures.