Foreign Affairs Minister Joly tests positive for COVID-19 and is isolating

OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has tested positive for COVID-19 after taking a rapid test.

Joly disclosed the result Monday on Twitter, saying she was in isolation awaiting the result of a PCR test.

Joly did not say where or how she contracted COVID-19, or provide any details about the state of her health.

“She is waiting for confirmation through the PCR test result. Everyone who needed … has been notified of the result of the rapid test,” said Joly’s spokeswoman Maéva Proteau.

Joly tweeted she will continue to work in isolation as she has been doing for a number of days.

“I’m grateful for the protection that vaccines offer us and encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. It’s the best thing we can do to keep our families safe this holiday season and all year long,” Joly said.

“While it is important to get tested for COVID, remember that testing alone doesn’t protect you from contracting and spreading the virus. Please continue to be cautious, limit your contacts and respect public health guidelines.”

Joly’s Twitter feed shows she had a recent meeting with the newly arrived U.S. ambassador to Canada, David Cohen. Proteau said the meeting was held virtually.

Joly attended the in-person meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Liverpool, England, just over a week ago.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2021.

The Canadian Press