Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau has tested positive for COVID-19, and Trudeau will remain in isolation for 14 days, according to the prime minister's office.

"Following medical recommendations, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau was tested for COVID-19 today. The test came back positive. Also following medical advice, she will remain in isolation for the time being. She is feeling well, is taking all the recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild," said a statement on Thursday.

Justin Trudeau began self-isolating after his wife began exhibiting flu-like symptoms after returning from a speaking engagement in the U.K.

Gregoire Trudeau spoke at the WE UK Day conference in London on March 4, according to the organization's website. According to a statement from the prime minister's office, she immediately sought medical advice after developing the symptoms and a low fever late Wednesday.

Canadian news outlet CTV reported that the couple's children are not showing symptoms and are not being quarantined.

Trudeau's office said the PM himself is in good health and isn't exhibiting any symptoms. Nor is he planning to be tested.

The prime minister has cancelled a meeting with Canada's provincial and territorial leaders in Ottawa, but still plans to speak with them and world leaders by phone about measures being taken to curb the spread of the virus in Canada.

Since the novel coronavirus first emerged in late December 2019, more than 110,000 cases have been recorded in 115 countries and territories, killing 4,743 people. Canada has so far reported nearly 150 cases in six provinces, and one death.

Most of the cases have been traced to China, Iran, Italy or Egypt. But seven people who recently returned from the United States also tested positive, public health authorities said.

In parliament, Health Minister Patty Hajdu urged Canadians to "reconsider going to areas where there are a large number of people, which might include places like churches, community centers, concerts and various sporting events."

Ontario, the most populous province, reported 17 new cases overnight, a 40-percent jump. To contain the virus spread, authorities ordered all schools to close from Saturday to April 5.

The Pacific province of British Columbia, directly north of Washington state, advised against all non-essential foreign travel, including to the United States. Washington is one of the worst-affected states.

Any warning that involves the United States is politically sensitive, given the two countries' 8,890-kilometer shared border and Canada's overwhelming reliance on bilateral trade.

"This is really important ... the evolving situation both in the United States and globally is a risk for all of us," British Columbia's provincial chief medical officer, Bonnie Henry, told reporters.

(With input from agencies.)