Canada shuts Parliament, Trudeau in quarantine

TORONTO (AP) — Canada shut down Parliament and advised against all nonessential travel outside the country Friday while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau governed remotely from his home, in self-imposed quarantine after his wife tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Dr Theresa Tam, the chief public health officer, also advised more social distancing, no handshakes and kisses, while the Canadian government advised cancelling large events like concerts and Transport Minister Marc Garneau said cruise ships with more than 500 people will not be able to dock in Canada until July 1.

Overseas flights returning to Canada will also be restricted to a small number of airports.

Canada’s House of Commons voted to shut down for at least five weeks to help ensure lawmakers do not contribute to the spread of the virus.

The moves came a day after Trudeau’s wife tested positive.

The prime minister himself has been in self-imposed quarantine.

“I will remain in self isolation for 14 days. I want to be clear. I have no symptoms and I feel very well,” Trudeau said at a news conference outside his residence in Ottawa.

“Technology allows me to work from home.”

All parties in Parliament agreed to the suspension, which means lawmakers will miss two weeks of sessions since they had previously planned to be away next week and two weeks in April.

The House is scheduled to next meet on Monday, April 20.

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