Two Madagascar Lawmakers Die Of COVID-19

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has announced that two lawmakers have died from coronavirus.

Rajoelina said eleven other deputies and 14 senators had also tested positive for the virus.

Madagascar had on July 5 placed its capital Antananarivo under a fresh lockdown following a new surge in coronavirus infections, two months after the restrictions were eased.

The presidency in a statement said;

The Analamanga region (under which the capital is situated) is returning to full lockdown. No traffic will be allowed in or out of the region starting Monday until July 20. A strict curfew will be imposed on street movement by people.

Read Also: Madagascar Re-Imposes Lockdown Amid Surge In COVID-19 Cases

Madagascar has been at the forefront of championing a ‘cure’ for the deadly virus out of the African continent, with the production of its COVID Organic.

The COVID-Organics is a tonic derived from artemisia — a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment — and other indigenous herbs.

Though not verified by international health bodies as efficient against the virus, the country exported the samples to other African countries including Nigeria.

Health bodies in Nigeria have however recently stated that the herbal tea mainly contains anti-malaria.

Madagascar has recorded 2,573 infections including 35 deaths with the government estimating that the peak will not be reached until the end of August.