Conservative leader tests positive for COVID-19; Quebec premier self-isolating

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole has tested positive for COVID-19 but is "feeling well," according to the party.

"This evening, Erin O'Toole received a positive test result for COVID-19," the party said in a statement Friday.

"He is very relieved that his wife and children have tested negative. O'Toole remains in self-isolation and is feeling well."

The test resultcomes as multiple regions in Canada contend with a steady rise in new cases amid the coronaviruspandemic that has already claimed more than 9,000 Canadian lives and infected 141,000 people across the country.

The leader of the Official Opposition has been in isolation since Wednesdayafter being exposedto the coronavirus byone of his staff members, who tested positive.

O'Toole had been travelling with the staffer in Quebec over the weekend and on Monday.

Shortly after the announcement, Quebec Premier Franois Legault, who met one-on-onewith O'Tooleon Monday,said on Twitter he was self-isolating out of precaution.

Legault met and dined inOttawa on Friday with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Alberta Premier Jason Kenneyand Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister. The four premiers travelled to the capital to press the federal government for$28 billion in additional federal funding to cover their ballooning health-carecosts.

O'Toole denounced the current state of COVID-19 testing in Canada after his family waited for hours at an Ottawa site on Wednesday, only to be turned away because of capacity issues.

O'Toole, his wife and their two children weretested on Thursday at a site in Gatineau, Que., whichoffers priority testing for MPs and their families.

Earlier this week, the Bloc Qubcoisannounced leader Yves-Franois Blanchetand his wifeNancy Dzieltested positive for COVID-19. They will remain in isolation at his residence in Shawinigan, Que., until Sept. 26.