Madagascar reimposes lockdown in capital as coronavirus cases surge
By Bukola Adebayo, CNN
Updated 1:45 PM EDT, Mon July 06, 2020
A member of the National Defense Force stands at a checkpoint as part of measures put in place to combat the spread of coronavirus in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in March.
(CNN)Madagascar has reimposed a lockdown in its central region, which includes its capital Antananarivo, in an effort to tackle an increase in coronavirus cases in the city, according to the country's government.

Schools and universities in the city have been closed and nonessential travel within the region is prohibited until July 20.

Authorities say churches will be shut, and public gatherings of more than 50 people have been banned.


The government said troops have been deployed to affected districts to ensure residents comply with containment measures, including a curfew in the capital city, the government said.

Some African nations turn to tonic to try to treat Covid-19
Some African nations turn to tonic to try to treat Covid-19
The decision came after the island nation, with around 27 million people recorded 209 new cases in the capital Saturday bringing the total number to 2,941 coronavirus cases, according to the World Health Organization.

More than 25,000 tests have been carried out, according to the country's health ministry.

President Andry Rajoelina sent a contingent of doctors and troops to its second largest city, Toamasina, to combat the virus outbreak after two people died of coronavirus and bodies were reportedly found in the city's streets in May.

The government had initially locked down the country's two largest cities -- Antananarivo and Toamasina as the virus spread in March.

Rajoelina lifted the restrictions four weeks later and began promoting a herbal tonic made in the country, claiming it could prevent coronavirus and cure it though it had not undergone any international clinical trial.


Journalist Andry Rabemananjara contributed to this story from Antananarivo.
View on CNN

How many deaths?
What about their orange juice abi na covid juice or wetin dem call am again?