Trudeau self-monitoring for COVID-19 after staff, security test positive

Justin Trudeau told reporters at COVID-19 update on Wednesday that three members of his staff, and three members of his security team, have been infected with COVID-19.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’s self-monitoring for COVID-19 after members of his staff and security team tested positive for the virus.

Trudeau told reporters at COVID-19 update on Wednesday that three members of his staff, and three members of his security team, have been infected with COVID-19.

He made the announcement virtually, and said he was undergoing regular testing and following public health protocols, like reducing his contacts as much as possible.

“So far, the recommendation is that I self-monitor, that I do rapid tests, that I do testing regularly — so far it’s all been negative,” Trudeau said.

“You will know if ever it becomes positive, I promise you that … but it is not the recommendation from public health at this time, given the nature of the contacts with my staff that I go into full isolation, but of course we’re going to continue to monitor and follow those public health guidelines to the letter.”

Trudeau did not say when his staff and security learned of their positive test results.

His comments come amid a surge in COVID-19 infections across much of Canada, largely driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant, ahead of the holidays.

Omicron, which was discovered last month, has been confirmed to be found in 106 countries, according to World Health Organization. Omicron has a “substantial growth advantage” over the Delta variant, and could become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in many countries, the WHO has warned.