French President Emmanuel Macron has become the latest world leader to catch the coronavirus. His office confirmed on Thursday that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating for seven days in line with national guidelines.
Macron’s diagnosis was confirmed via a RT-PCR test after he showed unspecified early symptoms of the disease. The testing method is a more advanced, more accurate form of the PCR tests used around the world.
The statement said he would continue to carry out his duties while in isolation.
Macron had been due to travel to Lebanon next week, but that trip was cancelled. Other in-person meetings on his agenda have been cancelled, postponed or will now be held via phone or video conference.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex said Thursday that he would also self-isolate as a precaution after coming into contact with the president. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and senior European Union official Charles Michel were also headed into self-isolation after recent meetings with Macron.