President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar announced that two lawmakers; one member of the senate and one deputy had died after becoming infected with the COVID-19.
He added that eleven other deputies and 14 senators also tested positive for the virus.
Earlier, the country’s capital Antananarivo was placed under a fresh lockdown following a new surge in Coronavirus infections, two months after the restrictions were eased.
“The Analamanga region (under which the capital is situated) is returning to full lockdown,” the presidency said in a statement.
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.
The country has recorded 2,573 infections including 35 deaths with the government estimating that the peak will not be reached until the end of August.
In April, Rajoelina launched a local herbal concoction he claimed prevents and cures the novel coronavirus.
He has since been promoting the brew for export, saying it is the country’s “green gold” which will “change history”.
The potential benefits of Covid-Organics, a tonic derived from artemisia — a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment — and other indigenous herbs, have not been validated by any scientific study.
