Madagascar reimposes lockdown in capital as coronavirus cases surge

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.

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 island nation, with around 26 million people, has 2,941 coronavirus cases and has recorded 32 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

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.

The tonic's distribution across the country and to some other governments in Africa sparked controversy and several warnings by the WHO and other experts, who said its efficacy against the virus was unproven.