Macron Tests Positive, European Leaders Enter Successive Self-Quarantine 'High Alert' (Comprehensive)

Domino Effect of Quarantine Measures for Spanish and Portuguese Prime Ministers and EU Summit Permanent Chair

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Following French President Emmanuel Macron's positive diagnosis for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), major global figures who had contact with him have entered a state of emergency.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 17th (local time), according to overseas media reports, President Macron had contact with leaders of various countries, officials from the European Union (EU), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). His closest aides, including First Lady Brigitte Macron, French Prime Minister Jean Castex, and French National Assembly Speaker Richard Ferrand, immediately entered self-quarantine following the diagnosis.

On the 10th and 11th (local time), President Macron also attended the EU ministerial meeting held in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting was attended by representatives from 27 countries, with only the leaders of Estonia and Croatia absent.

Overseas media reported that attendees included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, European Parliament President David Sassoli, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. However, von der Leyen stated that French health authorities did not classify her as a close contact and that she would not enter self-quarantine.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S?nchez, who entered self-quarantine, had dinner with President Macron at the ?lys?e Palace on the 14th (local time). The meeting was also attended by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and ?ngel Gurr?a, Secretary-General of the OECD. The Spanish Prime Minister's office announced, "Prime Minister S?nchez will enter a 7-day self-quarantine and suspend all official activities." President Michel also entered self-quarantine.

On the 16th (local time), President Macron had lunch with Portuguese Prime Minister Ant?nio Costa. Consequently, the Portuguese Prime Minister canceled his official tour schedule and entered self-quarantine.

Additionally, since President Macron carried out all scheduled activities, including the weekly Wednesday ministerial meetings, concerns are rising about a potential 'domino effect' of infections among high-ranking leaders both inside and outside France.

According to the ?lys?e Palace, President Macron underwent a PCR test after symptoms appeared and subsequently tested positive. Following French health authority guidelines, President Macron will enter a 7-day self-quarantine but will continue to perform his duties remotely.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.