Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that he has not been tested for the coronavirus, and he announced that he is “feeling good” and doesn’t believe he has any symptoms of the disease.
He had already announced that the Canadian Parliament — akin to the House of Representatives and the Senate —would be suspended until April 20.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gestures as he speaks in parliament during Question Period in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Feb. 18, 2020. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle
In another news conference, composed of various Liberal government cabinet ministers, Minister of Health Patty Hadju suggested there would be no border closures because, she said, the measure has not proven to be successful in slowing the progression of the coronavirus. Her comments have not been confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Speaking to reporters from the gate of his official residence, Trudeau said his doctor did not believe he needed to be tested given his lack of symptoms of the coronavirus. (RELATED: Poll: 69% Of Canadians Say ‘Canada Is Broken” — And Trudeau Gets The Blame)
Just the night before, his wife, Sophie Gregoire, had been diagnosed with coronavirus.
Trudeau said that her symptoms are relatively mild but that the family is taking “every precaution,” while considering that she is just one of many Canadians suffering from the pandemic.
Trudeau said he is not comfortable with the inconvenience of self-isolating, but he is prepared to do it for the next two weeks.
“I know that you’re worried. You’re worried about your health, about your family’s health, about your job, your savings, about paying rent, about the kids not being in school. I know that you’re concerned about uncertainty in the global economy. The steps being taken to keep you safe have an economic impact,” Trudeau said, indicating some sort of financial assistance for Canadians.
“We do not want any Canadian to have to worry about whether or not they’re going to be able to pay their rent, whether or not they’re going to be able to buy groceries, or care for their kids or elderly family members. We need to make sure that Canadians have the options and the ability to follow the best public health advice and keep themselves safe.” (RELATED: Mining Company Withdraws From $20B Oil Sands Project — Citing Trudeau’s Environmental Policies)
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau (R) speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 official welcome at Le Manoir Richelieu on day one of the G7 meeting on June 8, 2018 in Quebec City, Canada. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
The Trudeau government has already asked Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel.