French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for COVID-19 after developing symptoms, the Élysée Palace has announced.

Iran PressEurope: Macron's positive test forced several other European leaders who had recently met the French president into self-isolation.

In a brief statement on Thursday, the palace said the 42-year-old French president had a PCR test as soon as the symptoms had appeared and would “self-isolate for seven days in line with the health protocol applicable to everyone.”

According to Sky News, the brief statement did not give details of the symptoms the French president was experiencing.

"He will continue to work and take care of his activities at a distance," it added.

His wife Brigitte, 67, is also self-isolating, her office said, although she is not showing any COVID-19 symptoms.

Macron was due to visit Lebanon next week on 22 December. The trip has now been canceled, a spokeswoman said.

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