Macron tests positive for coronavirus

French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for coronavirus this Thursday and will remain isolated for seven days, although he will carry out his activities remotely, the Elysée Palace said. 

The head of state underwent a PCR test after he experienced the first symptoms, the Presidency said in a statement. "According to the health protocols in force, which are applicable to everyone, the President will be isolated for the next seven days. He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely," the Élysée Palace said.  

Macron's positive result comes one day after the health authorities reported that the pandemic has caused 59,361 deaths and more than 2.4 million infections in France.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex has already announced that he is also going into self-isolation as a precaution and will have himself tested. Castex works closely with the president and considers himself a close contact. He has undergone a PCR test, but the results are not yet known. The agenda of the chief executive will be modified so that he can work remotely. The Prime Minister had to explain the vaccination strategy in France in the French senate this morning, but was replaced by the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran. 

The President of the National Assembly, Richard Ferrand, who had lunch with Macron on Tuesday, also said he would maintain a seven-day quarantine. 

Macron has seen several international dignitaries in recent days: the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, with whom he had lunch last Monday, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Secretary General of the OECD, Ángel Gurría. This Wednesday he also had a working lunch with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. 

Furthermore, Macron has presided over a Council of Ministers and a Defence Council this week, but the Elysée Palace specified that the other participants would not be quarantined because during these meetings distances were respected and masks were worn. The President was also present during the draw for the Rugby World Cup to be hosted by France in 2023 last Monday, a day on which he also held a meeting with citizens on climate issues. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has suspended all public activities and will quarantine until Dec.24 after being in contact with French President Emmanuel Macron, who has tested positive for COVID-19, his office said on Thursday.

The Moncloa has informed of the suspension of this agenda in compliance with health protocols once the Elysée Palace has reported Macron as positive.