PARIS (FRANCE) – French Prime Minister Jean Castex is to undergo a COVID-19 test as a safety measure. He had shared a car with the director of the Tour de France cycle race, who tested positive for the virus, the prime minister’s office said on Tuesday.
Castex had spent time in a car after the race with tour director Christian Prudhomme, who had tested positive, according to Tour organisers said on Tuesday that Prudhomme had tested positive.
Asked about the contact, a representative of the prime minister’s office said, “They were both wearing masks and respecting social distancing. The prime minister is to undergo a new test, just in case.”
A photographer, who followed the Tour de France said that Castex and Prudhomme spent a few hours in each other’s company during Saturday’s stage of the race.
Castex tweeted saying since he had been in contact with an infected person, and he would follow the government protocol.
French official guidance in such cases demands people to self-isolate, be away from their workplace, and get tested. However, Castex said, “While scrupulously respecting health guidelines, I will carry out my duties in full.”
