Paris, Dec 18 (TIWN) French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the Elysee Palace confirmed in a statement on Thursday, joining a long list of world leaders to be infected with the disease.

"The president tested positive for Covid-19 today," it said in a statement, adding that he had been tested after the "onset of the first symptoms".  Macron will now, in accordance with national regulations, "self isolate for seven days. He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely," it said.  The French president is one of several heads of state and government around the world who have contracted Covid-19, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.  France earlier this week eased restrictions imposed to battle the second wave of the coronavirus but infection rates remain high.  There is still a nationwide overnight curfew from 8 pm to halt the spread of the virus while restaurants and cafes as well as theatres and cinemas remain closed.