The wife of Justin Trudeau has been infected by the novel coronavirus.

The prime minister's office confirmed in a statement this evening that Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has tested positive for COVID-19.

Gregoire Trudeau had been in self-isolation after feeling flu-like symptoms. They developed following a speaking engagement in London, England.

"She's feeling well, is taking all the recommended precautions, and her symptoms remain mild," the PMO said.

Justin Trudeau is also in self-isolation but is not being tested because he's showing no symptoms.

He will remain in isolation for 14 days and is holding meetings over the phone.

The news of Grégoire Trudeau's positive test came on the same day as a flurry of other COVID-19 developments.

B.C.'s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, asked citizens not to travel outside of Canada.

She and Health Minister Adrian Dix also cancelled events with more than 250 people to contain the spread of COVID-19.

"This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings or other similar events," they said in a joint statement. "This threshold has been selected, as it is much easier to maintain important social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

“Some post-secondary institutions have classes with more than 250 students, and we are working with them to take measures to address this situation."

In addition, Henry and Dix asked employers to excuse staff for sick leave without requiring a doctor's note if these employees are ill or are required to self-isolate.

That came after seven new cases in B.C., including three linked to Hollyburn House, a care home in West Vancouver. That brought the provincial total to 53.

This morning, the National Hockey League suspended its season, not long after the National Basketball Association did the same thing.

And stock markets were pummelled, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average recording its largest single-day drop in points in history.

Update

On March 13, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau issued the following statement:

To all my friends, family, beloved Canadians, and allies everywhere:

First, I’d like to say a big thank you to all of you who have reached out to me asking how I’m doing. Although I’m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon. Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns.

We will get through this situation together. Please share the facts and take your health seriously. I send you all my courage and warm thoughts (but only “get better” hugs from afar)!

Sincerely,

– Sophie