Madagascar re-imposes lockdown amid surge in virus cases

Madagascar has placed its capital Antananarivo under a fresh lockdown following a new surge in coronavirus infections, two months after the restrictions were eased, the presidency announced Sunday.

"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.



"Only one person per household is allowed to go out into the street between 6:00 am (0400 GMT) and 12:00 pm (1000 GMT)," said the statement.

The measures have been taken "because of the spread of the epidemic and the increase of COVID-19 cases," it added.