Premier Legault announces he has tested positive for COVID-19

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QUEBEC — Premier François Legault has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19.

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In a tweet, Legault said he started experiencing symptoms Thursday afternoon and took a test which revealed he was infected.

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Legault said he will continue to work but at a distance for the next five days in conformity with the public health directives.

“We see with the rise in cases lately that the virus is present in Quebec,” Legault said. “Let’s continue to be cautious. We will get through this together.”

Legault was present at the National Assembly Thursday, walking down the hall to question period with his mask on as reporters tried to get him to speak.

He also took questions in the house but respected the rules which say MNAs must keep their masks on except to rise and answer a question or speak.

The legislature only recently eased COVID-19 rules, allowing a full contingent of 125 MNAs to be present after only allowing half in recent months.

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The glass dividers between MNAs have also been removed.

There have not been any reports of other members of the Coalition Avenir Québec caucus or the cabinet getting the virus.

Legault is 64. He got his third vaccine dose Dec. 27.

On Wednesday he told reporters he planned to keep wearing a mask even they are no longer mandatory.

“Yes, I’ll continue to wear a mask for a certain period,” he said.

Legault is not the first Canadian politician to contract the virus during this wave. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tested positive Jan. 31 and had to isolate.

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