Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for the Coronavirus infection, the presidential Elysee Palace announced on Thursday. ALSO READ | Nigeria Students Kidnapping Case: Hundreds Of Students Missing; Boko Haram Claims Attack In School


According to the announcement, the French president took a test after the "onset of the first symptoms", as reported by the news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP). The brief statement did not inform as to which symptoms Macron experienced.

In accordance with the national Covid protocol, Macron will isolate himself for seven days. "He will continue to work and take care of his activities at a distance," the statement added.

The French president is now among several heads of state and governments worldwide to have contracted Coronavirus. The list includes British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.

Earlier this week, restrictions imposed to contain the second wave of the Covid-19 infections were eased even though the spread remained rampant.

When it comes to restrictions - as restaurants, cafes, theatres and other cinemas remain closed, there is also a nationwide night curfew in place that begins from 8 pm.

According to official figures, coronavirus disease has claimed over 59,300 lives in France since the spread began while more than 17,000 new cases were recorded on Wednesday alone. The Christmas-New year holiday season has become the cause of concern as people tend to shop and travel more despite being advised not to do so, as seen during the Thanksgiving holidays in the United States.

Now, what keeps people hopeful is the upcoming vaccine as Prime Minister Jean Castex revealed that the country will receive around 1.16 million Covid-19 vaccine doses by year-end.

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