ANTANANARIVO: Two lawmakers in Madagascar have died of COVID-19 and at least 25 members of parliament and of the senate have been infected with the virus President Andry Rajoelina said late on Sunday.
Madagascar has over 5,080 confirmed novel coronavirus cases and 37 deaths have been confirmed according to the government data.
A countrywide state of health emergency has been in place since March and the authorities re-imposed a lockdown in the capital city, its surrounding areas last week to contain the raging coronavirus spread.
“One deputy died. A senator died. After the tests carried out on the deputies, 11 members of parliament were detected carrying the coronavirus. At the Senate, 14 people, senators and agents of Senate carry the coronavirus,” Rajoelina said during an appearance on a talk show on national television late on Sunday.
Rajoelina also said that he and his family had been taking “COVID Organics”, Madagascar’s self-proclaimed, plant-based “cure” for COVID-19 that was launched in April, despite warnings from the World Health Organisation that its efficacy is unproven.
“It is true that I have been in contact with people likely to carry the coronavirus. I have even entered hospitals that care for patients with Covid-19. I’m fine,” he said.
“I don’t carry coronavirus at all. I have no symptoms. Thank God. I follow the directives that I have given myself. But above all, me and my loved ones, my wife and my children, we drink and we follow a treatment based on the COVID Organics concoction.” he addressed the nation.
In May, the authorities discovered several bodies lying in the streets of Toamasina and deployed soldiers and doctors to ensure public adherence to health measures and curb the spread.
Clashes erupted weeks later between Madagascar’s security forces and protesters after citizens in the eastern city of Toamasina took to the streets to condemn anti-coronavirus lockdown measures.
There is no word yet on whether COVID-Organics, a herbal tonic which Malagasy authorities touted can cure COVID-19, is actually effective as President Rajoelina previously claimed in his campaigns to promote it.
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