2 Madagascar lawmakers die after contracting Covid-19

Guwahati: Two lawmakers have become the latest casualties of the lethal coronavirus that has continued its rampage across the world several months after it first surfaced in the animal markets of Wuhan, China. This was confirmed by President Andry Rajoelina, who claims a herbal concoction continues to protect him and his family from COVID-19.

Rajoelina also informed that 11 parliamentarians and 14 senators also tested positive for the dreaded virus. Making an appearance on a talk show, Rajoelina stated that a deputy and a senator had died although he did not say when the lawmakers had died and did not name them.

To contain the outbreak of the contagious infection, Madagascar has placed its capital city of Antananarivo under a new lockdown following a surge in infections -- two months after restrictions were eased.

Madagascar has 5,080 confirmed coronavirus cases and 37 deaths, according to government data, with authorities estimating the peak will not be reached until the end of August.

In April, Rajoelina launched a local herbal mixture called "Covid-Organics" which he claims prevents and cure the COVID-19 disease. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that its efficacy is unproven and it is not a cure.

However, Rajoelina claims that the dug is indeed useful in preventing the respiratory disease. "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 has been quoted as saying.

He says that he and his loved ones, including his wife and my children, drink and follow a treatment based on the Covid-Organics concoction. He has gone so far as to suggest that the concoction should be exported and termed it as "green gold" that will "change history."

However. the potential benefits of Covid-Organics - a tonic derived from artemisia, a plant used in malaria treatment, and other indigenous herbs - have not been validated by science.

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