Macron faces criticism over Covid behaviour before positive test

Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism over behaviour ranging from a close-quarters handshake to repeated big-group meals over the last week as he rides out his coronavirus infection in a presidential retreat at Versailles.

Igor Matovič, the Slovakian prime minister, who spent time with the French president at an EU summit last week, tested positive for the virus on Friday. Some other leaders present at the summit reported testing negative, while some were not getting tested and others have not yet announced results.

Macron’s actions have been seen by some in France as setting a bad example as the country experiences an uptick in confirmed cases and doctors warn families to take precautions at Christmas – especially at the dinner table.