Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has said he would self-isolate after being in contact with someone who tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

According to Reuters, the 72-year-old is campaigning to win a second term as the country's president in an election on Jan 24. He has several presidential debates scheduled before then.

In a statement shared on his official website, Rebelo de Sousa's office said the contact was with a member of Casa Civil, a body of specialists who provide consultation services to the president.

Rebelo de Sousa is waiting for the health authority to decide if the exposure was high risk and for how long he will have to stay at home, the statement said.