I feel like this will probably be happening a lot over the next month or so. Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau are now in a fourteen-day self-isolation for the coronavirus. Sophie is the one who tested positive, and since Prime Minister Trudeau was exposed to it through his wife, he’s going into isolation with her. And since they’re Canadian, they have access to tests in a timely manner.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will isolate himself for 14 days after his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive for coronavirus. Grégoire Trudeau has mild symptoms and is feeling well, and will remain in isolation for 14 days, the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement late Thursday.
She came down with mild flu-like symptoms Wednesday following a speaking engagement in the UK. Health officials are reaching out to those who’ve been in contact with her, the 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,” the office said. It added that on the advice of his doctors, he’ll not be tested since he has no symptoms. He’ll continue with his duties, and plans to address Canadians on Friday.
“For the same reason, doctors say there is no risk to those who have been in contact with him recently,” his office said.
Grégoire Trudeau thanked those who’ve reached out to her and said she’s doing well.
“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.”
My guess is that the prime minister and Mrs. Trudeau will likely work via teleconference, phone, Skype, Facetime, etc for the next two weeks. So many people are doing that now, just as a precautionary measure. I read a tweet which was basically like “turns out, most of us could have been working from home this whole time.” Who knew that included prime ministers too.
Also: I’ve said this a few times, but Donald Trump has absolutely been exposed to the virus a few different times this week. He still says he’s not going to take a test.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
As if Trump hasn’t done enough to destroy the U.S., now he’s gonna Typhoid Mary everyone.
I wish the Trudeaus well. We are living in interesting times.
Thank you for that delicious Typhoid Mary reference Tempest Prognosticator. I will now think of him as Typhoid Trump. I also wish the Trudeaus and all those battling this well. My husband I are recently retired but I feel so badly for how all the — absolutely necessary —- cancellations are going to affect people with small businesses and people in the service industry. When you live from paycheck to paycheck as many do, the margin for financial chaos and ruin is a razors edge. No medical insurance or corporate flexibility is going to Protect these people. Hopefully, someone in DC will get those damn wall funds redirected to help those who are going to be forced into financial jeopardy.
At this point Donald Trump is a public health menace. He’s old, he’s around lots of older people – he needs to be tested. I cant believe someone isn’t insisting on it.
As for the Trudeaus – I’m glad they’re being so open about it, obviously their situation is going to be very different from other people (which Sophie acknowledged) but I still think it helps to see that they are following the same advice/orders the government is giving to other people. as opposed to our president…..
It’s comforting. I mean, obviously I worry a little bit, but I think they’re both super healthy individuals. I also really appreciate how quickly they moved on this, and how open they’re being about it. It makes it feel a lot less panicked knowing that they’re taking the necessary steps and being transparent while doing it.
We have a guy at work who’s probably due to come back in on Monday I think. He self quarantined because he was in Italy and a bunch of other European destinations. But we’re also lucky enough to not have any confirmed cases at this time, even though a few government workers have had to quarantine because of a conference they attended.
I’m sure he’s been tested. We just are never going to know. If he’s an actual germiphobe, he’ll be tested several times, but he won’t announce it because he sees it as a sign of weakness. That’s my opinion. I mean, my daughter has had a fever for a few days. She was given a flu test and a strep test which both came back negative. Allergist thinks it’s a sinus infection. I would have her tested if there were tests.
You are probably right, he’s been tested but wont admit it, which is stupid.
I fully believe he’s been tested, but will never tell. He doesn’t want to be seen as “weak”, and also they don’t want to admit they have tests when no one else does.
Becks1 –
I agree. At this point he is a public health hazard, he has been seen multiple times after being exposed coughing and sneezing openly and refuses to be tested.
Nice response by the Trudeaus: setting a good example of following recommendations, expressing calmness, and acknowledging and respecting that many people are suffering worse. Meanwhile, in America…
Meanwhile in America…I live in an area where we have multiple confirmed cases and all schools have closed. My job is mostly administrative and can be done anywhere there is a computer and a phone, but my boss is refusing to permit telework because she wants us where she can see us. If I don’t show up, I don’t get paid. Inept leadership from the presidency down and control-freak employers are going to make this pandemic hell on earth for Americans.
This kind of attitude from employers is infuriating. So many of us are capable of working from home, and what better time to do that than during a pandemic?! Makes me absolutely crazy.
Did you ask your boss how is she going to have eyes on anybody when you’re all home sick and quarantined? Ugh. I can’t work from home, but my three hospital workplaces have closed certain entrances, so now that only the virus-proof doors are open I feel totally safe now. Not! I feel like this is somehow symbolic for the Emperor Babyfists Administration pandemic response in general.
Ridiculous.
I lead a large field sales team. I wrote virtual engagement rules today, and my leaders in other regions are looking at what we’re doing to try to adapt for their own areas. It just takes a bit of creativity, a bit of accountability, some solid rules of engagement, and a bit of trust?
IN Portugal the orders are for working through digital instruments as far as possible. We teachers are “giving classes” via different digital means, Most people are working from home..even in private companies.. It has become a law, so to speaak.. contingency plans,… Parents with kids under 12, one of the parents stays home and receives 66% of the original income, 33$/% from the bos and the other 33% from social welfare.—idially people would get their pay check in full, though not working, but financially the state and medium and small businesses can only afford this.. So they stay at home without working…
I certainly hope that they aren’t in isolation together, Sophie needs to be in isolation by herself since she’s the one that is sick. That being said, she’ll be alright, she’s in pretty good shape and young to begin with, same for JT and Jagmeet if they end up getting it.
I’m heading to work today but I don’t know if I’ll go back Monday: we know all schools from kindergartens to unis are going to close, but we’re not sure when (in all likelihood, K-12 will be closed by Monday just like in Ontario, but for the research labs in unis, it’s a bit more complicated). So I’ll be packing my plants, my work laptop tonight, I’ve made a list of stuff I could be doing from home in the next 2 to 8 weeks, but I’m bummed. 8 weeks will be looooong!
Arpeggi … self-isolation means that ideally you are just by yourself. You can look it up on the internet. Everyone is supposed to, ideally, find their own place/spot to hang out. XO
Actually, he went into self isolation (separate from her, solo) as soon as they realized she had symptoms, after coming back from the UK. They are self quarantined, properly, not together. He has not shown symptoms, as of yet, they only test once symptoms are present. He is attending meetings by video conference.
Pineapple, I know. It was more a comment about the “JT’s going on isolation with her” sentence. He’s not. You try to keep as much distance between those who are in isolation because sick and those who are in isolation due to contact. Being PM and all that it probably means different houses for the PM, Sophie and the kids. Which is fine, it’d be great if everyone was able to do that but it’s obviously impossible for many. Even separate bedrooms can be tricky for a lot of people
JT’s mother and daughter were with Sophie on her trip to the U.K. I wonder if they too are in isolation? I haven’t heard anything.
His mom is in isolation at her home. I saw a report. Nothing has been mentioned of his daughter.
Wishing the Trudeaus speedy recovery. Wishing that for anyone who has Covid-19. I especially am praying for the elderly and the ones who are the most vulnerable to this virus. I hear now that Italy is so overwhelmed with patients that they are now prioritizing who to treat first — mainly younger people or others who have a better chance of survival. My heart breaks for those who are elderly and those with chronic conditions.
Mireille … I read about Italy also. My gosh, the whole thing is just so, so sad. My heart goes out to those medical personnel. Everyone in the area. How crazy. How crazy.
My hopes is that the information coming out of Italy helps other countries halt school and large gatherings more quickly. It is so sad that the thinking is it ‘could’ have been slowed a bit with faster action.
Agree Mireille —- I’ve also read that they are requesting you not visit loved ones in nursing homes. I would find that incredibly hard if I had a loved one whom I couldn’t support and comfort.
Yes, Italy has become a war zone, doctors are choosing who to save and who to let die… It is really complicated…The whole Europe will be like Italy in a couple of weeks, trust me… It’s becoming a nightmare…
Umm stop right now. You’re spreading lies and it’s not helping this situation. Italian doctors are NOT “letting” people die. The are running a normal triage and treating the worst cases first (like Every. Other. Hospital. In. The. World) but everyone is getting treated. Hospitals are very crowded but no one is being turned away. Why are you trying to spread panic like this? Oh and yes I do know this because I just got off the phone with my cousin, a respiratory specialist in Rome.
I don’t understand why they chose not to test Trudeau.
There’s no need to waste a test on him. He has been exposed, and he is taking appropriate measures as if he is, in fact, contagious.
I heard that the tests aren’t that reliable for those who are asymptomatic and if that’s the case then why waste the resources – better to just act like he has it and isolate him for a while.
“ mild flu-like symptoms Wednesday following a speaking engagement in the UK”
Well gee those travel restrictions the Idiot in the White House put in place will do wonders considering they…exclude the UK. 🙄 Dumb as s**t.
The Trudeaus are setting a great example. Take care everyone!
The UK is just like the States. They are not testing enough so the coronavirus numbers are not known.
We don’t have access to tests. My coworkers son went to a convention of 25,000 people in toronto and turns out the guy he went with tested positive for it just after (timing shows he brought it there with him. Now so many have been exposed to it.) Public health here won’t test my coworkers son, or even my coworker as she was with him for a week (and both have been pretty sick!). They say they can’t/won’t test everyone so just wash your hands. Now all our schools have also been shut down for 3 weeks. Toilet paper is nowhere to be found in stores due to people’s stupidity/selfishness.
But, ya know, its no big deal just wash your hands.
ETA i live in Ontario
I live in Ontario also, I am shocked that they won’t test your coworkers son. Our healthcare system could use some work but still. I hope that they will get better soon! Now to figure out what to do with my children for the next 3 weeks.
Gutterflower .. you can call Health Ontario to find out if you need the test. They are trying to limit who they speak to as calls have gone from something like 30 per day to 800 per day, as of yesterday. Perhaps your friends don’t have signs of the illness becoming quickly untenable for them? I don’t know. From what I read it sounded pretty organized and orderly but everyone will have a different experience of course.
I have a friend who also attended the Conference, but not closely with the person infected. She has just calmly followed protocol. That is all we can do.
They are apparently quickly hiring more nurses for the information lines here in Ontario. And Brewer Arena should be up and running as a testing site in a couple of days for those who qualify to go. There are apparently four coming to the City of Ottawa according to my husband,
I think it’s really comforting to see the PM and his wife demonstrate a calm and reasonable approach, and hope it will encourage others to do the same.
I will also (grudgingly) give some praise to the opposition Conservative leader for wishing him well and basically not being a jerk.
Meanwhile we have closed the public schools here in Ontario for three weeks, which should help limit the spread. I actually feel pretty positive and optimistic this morning, although mind you I haven’t been to the grocery store yet!
Hopefully people calm down. The health department is recommending two weeks of food and one month of meds as a rule. They also said Canada makes paper products so they should be back soon. No need for people to panic
Ha-Ha Jay … I thought the EXACT same thing about the opposition Conservative Leader. How horrible are our politics that i was impressed Pierre Poilievre was kind and polite and sensible.
Blerg. I was impressed he acted like an adult and not a complaining child clamouring for more and more and more oil and gas … in The Sixth Extinction.
The grocery store was grim yesterday (I’m in the GTA). Shelves cleared out and people pushing around two carts of whatever they can hoard. I was there for nearly 2 hours just for the weekly shop. It was tense and I cried because it was disturbing. Have a podcast or audiobook ready to keep yourself steady. If you can, pick up a few extra things for the food bank, including dental hygiene and period products.
Excellent point Sarah. If you can, give to those in need. I really hope people aren’t hoarding to make a profit. Unless you have a really big family, don’t see why someone would need two carts. Stores might have to put a limit on certain items.
Yikes! I took one look at the long lines and empty shelves in the grocery store today and headed right back out – I’m lucky to have several little grocers in my hood, I’ll pick up some things there and use stuff from the freezer for a few days. Great reminder to think about those who lack that kind of food security, Sarah, thanks!
I am glad that they are being open and talking about it. The same with Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. This actually takes a LOT of the fear factor out of it for people I think. That IF you get sick it is possible to be okay. That of course doesn’t help the anxiety around those who are older or immune-compromised but this does show that the majority of people who get C-19 will probably only have mild symptoms and prayfully will ultimately be okay.
I’m hearing all the schools are going to close here after today. I’m at work today but will bring stuff with me this weekend in case we go to work from home, and I’m really fortunate that I can take sick/vacation time, or I can afford to go unpaid for a bit if needed. No reported cases in my county yet, but it’s coming, and there’s a LOT of retirees here so it could get bad if people don’t take precautions now. Pretty much everything here is being canceled. I really hope it slows it all down.
Same. I’m at work today and evaluating what I need to bring home at end of day to function from home if it comes to that. Not gonna lie, some PJ work days sound alright. I’m going to be productive AND comfy.
I’m not super productive when I work from home, but I can do it. Luckily we got busy again around the new year, so there is work to do. Staying in PJs is a nice aspect of it!
I wish I could work from home. Unfortunately, the airline industry isn’t built that way. Our schools are closed for an extra week for spring break and we’re trying to figure out how to manage with work and having the kids home. It’s a mess.
as a complete aside I’m enjoying knowing so many of you are also from Ottawa and Ontario, here I am drinking my coffee and reading the site too
Imagine how it would feel to have that kind of calm, informed communication coming from your country’s leadership…
And instead we have the unhinged narcissist in the White House.
I did just read that Barr was exposed. It’s a sign of just how much living though the last 3 years in Trumplandia has coarsened my humanity that I actually do think I want him to get it. Sigh.
Considering that some reports are saying that people can still be contagious 5 weeks out from being infected, I hope that everyone who is exposed still limits contact with the public until that time has passed.
Wishing her a speedy recovery.
To be honest, it’s part of why we’re planning on a probable 8+ wks university closing: we don’t know how long it’ll take to see the number of cases going down after they go up (in Canada at least, we still have very few recorded cases but we have the US as neighbours so…). On the hospital side, professional travels have been suspended until Aug 31st because we can’t tell when things will go back to normal. At the same time, there will come a time where the majority of the population will likely going to be infected so even if we’re contagious for a while, it won’t matter anymore. There issue is, that if things go well, that moment will be in many months from now
She’s very inspirational in her work and transformation of the role of PM’s wife, wishing her all the best
I’m currently watching Global News (legit news program with real journalists).
According to them Sophie is in quarantine by herself.
Justin and the kids are together in isolation.
They made no mention of Margaret, his mother who is in her 70s and travelling with Sophie.
I am very glad that we have calm and sane leadership. Between the covid and Iran plane crash, Trudeau has been a calm steady leader.
We are also very lucky to have the steady hand of Christiana Freeland, I really hope she is the next PM.
I think it would be a much different picture if the election had gone the other way last fall.
Charfromdarock : love the name and love Nfld. Visited many times on business when I lived in Halifax years ago. The best people are from there!
Thank you 🙂
I hope you’ll get another chance to visit someday.
Margaret Trudeau is also in self-isolation – she gave an interview yesterday.
In addition to Chrystia Freeland, Canada is lucky to have Patty Hajdu, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Dr. Deena Hinshaw. All four of these ladies have proven to be calm, reassuring, intelligent, informative voices in chaotic times.
[*They’re like putting chapstick on your irritated lips.*]
Does anyone have any insight into how all the Toronto Raptors and their management and support staff got tested within the public system without having symptoms while Trudeau is not being tested? Selfishly I’m glad they did because I live with someone who has had close contact with them since the Utah game but, if I understand correctly, it goes against the recommendations regarding when to test. I’m not upset, just curious.