France's Macron tests positive
French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive
for Covid-19, the presidency said on Thursday, adding he would now self-isolate
for the next week.
"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".
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.
The French president is one of several heads of
state and government around the world who have contracted Covid-19, 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.
Over 59,300 people have died in France of
coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, according to official figures.
The recording of over 17,000 new cases on Wednesday
alone has also generated concern as people shop and travel more intensely ahead
of the Christmas holidays.
Like other EU states, France is pinning its hopes on
a vaccine to quell the virus and Prime Minister Jean Castex said Wednesday the
country will receive around 1.16 million Covid-19 vaccine doses by year end.
French PM Castex to self-isolate after contact with
Covid case Macron: office
