President Macron tests positive for Covid-19

French President will isolate for seven days, but will continue his duties 'at a distance'

Published Modified

President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for COVID-19, the Elysée Palace has revealed.

It said in a brief statement that the president had a test 'as soon as the first symptoms appeared'.

He will self-isolate for seven days but 'will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely', the brief statement added.

Aides have said Mr Macron is not seriously ill, reports say, but Prime Minister Jean Castex is self-isolating after being in contact with the President. The President had attended a European Union summit at the end of last week, attended the draw for the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Monday, and met the Portuguese Prime Minister on Wednesday.

He is the latest world leader to contract the virus. Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, and Prince Albert of Monaco have already had the illness.