Emmanuel Macron, President of France, has tested positive for novel coronavirus on Thursday, the presidential Elysee Palace announced. The news was also confirmed by the French Prime Minister Jean Castex.  

"The president tested positive for COVID-19 today (Thursday)," the French Presidency said in a statement. He had been tested after the "onset of the first symptoms," the statement further mentioned.  Complying with the national regulations in France, Macron will now "self isolate for seven day". "He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely," it said. All other meetings to be held via video-conference, the French Presidency said.

France reported 17,615 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the biggest spike in COVID-19 count since 21 November. The country has been severely affected by coronavirus pandemic. It has registered 2,409,062 cases since the outbreak.

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