Madagascar has imposed a region into a fresh lockdown as a result of a new surge in coronavirus infections, two months after the restrictions were eased.
On Sunday, the presidency announced;
“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.”
“Only one person per household is allowed to go out into the street between 6:00 am (0400 GMT) and 12:00 pm (1000 GMT),”
The measures have been taken “because of the spread of the epidemic and the increase of COVID-19 cases,”said the statement.
All government meetings will now be held via video conferencing, also court hearings have been suspended.
Madagascar which always registered dozens of coronavirus cases a day, has in recent days seen an exponential rise in daily numbers, jumping to a record 216 cases on Saturday. By Sunday the country had a cumulative 2,728 cases, including 29 deaths.
In April, President Andry Rajoelina launched a local herbal concoction he claimed prevents and cures the novel coronavirus. The concoction has been promoted for export, as Rajoelina said it is the country’s “green gold” which will “change history”.
However, The potential benefits of Covid-Organics, a tonic derived from artemisia, with proven efficacy in malaria treatment, and other indigenous herbs, have not been validated by any scientific study.
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