The Madagascar government ton Sunday announced the end of the state of health emergency that was introduced due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, reported Africa News. The state of health emergency was declared on March 21 and renewed every two weeks.
During his bi-monthly address, President Andry Rajoelina declared Madagascar almost out of the coronavirus pandemic. In his speech, the head of state claimed the country had 96% recovery rate.
He attributed the country’s impressive coronavirus recovery rate to some of the measures taken by the government like the distribution of more than seven million doses of Covid-Organics distributed free of charge throughout the island.
Notably, despite lifting the state of emergency, the reopening of Madagascar’s borders which was scheduled for October 29 has been postponed due to the increase in coronavirus cases in other countries.
The country’s Nosy Be airport will remain open to countries not going through a second wave of the pandemic while International flights to mainland Madagascar remain completely suspended. The government has made it mandatory for the people to wear mask and maintain social distancing measures.
Madagascar has recorded 238 deaths out of over 16,810 confirmed cases so far.
Earlier this month, President Rajoelina launched a capsule version of a herbal drink that he touts as a coronavirus treatment and cure. Covid-Organics is derived from Artemisia, a plant with proven anti-malarial properties, and other indigenous herbs.
“Those who struggle to ingest the infusion can now take this CVO+ capsule that will be sold across the world,” he said, speaking at the Pharmagalasy plant outside the capital Antananarivo.
While the Madagascar government has given Covid-Organics doses to the people, the infusion’s effects have not been scientifically tested and the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued several warnings against its use and distribution. More than a quarter of Madagascar’s 26 million inhabitants have so far taken the drink.
