French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday and will remain in isolation for seven days, although he will keep his activities at bay, the Elysee said.
The head of state underwent a PCR test when he first experienced symptoms, the presidency said in a statement.
“Under the sanitary protocols in force, which apply to everyone, the president will be isolated for seven days. It will continue to work to run its activities remotely, ”he said.
Macron’s positive comes a day after health authorities reported that the pandemic caused 59,361 deaths in France and more than 2.4 million infections.
Prime Minister Jean Castex announced he will also isolate himself for 7 days as he is considered “close contact” with Macron, his cabinet said, specifying that he has undergone a PCR test, the results of which are not yet known.
The Chief Executive’s agenda is being adjusted so that he can work remotely.
Therefore, the head of government will not attend the Senate this afternoon, as planned to present the vaccination plan. In his place, the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, will do it.
National Assembly chairman Richard Ferrand, who had lunch with Macron last Tuesday, also argued that he will maintain a seven-day quarantine.
Macron has seen several international dignitaries in recent days, including the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, with whom he had lunch with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Secretary General of the OECD, Ángel Gurría last Monday. .
Last Wednesday he also had a working lunch with the Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa.
In addition, Macron chaired a Council of Ministers and a Council of Defense this week, but the Elysee has specified that the other participants will not be quarantined because distances were respected during those meetings and they wore a mask.
The president was also present at the draw for the Rugby World Cup that France is organizing last Monday in 2023, a day on which he also held a meeting with citizens about climate.