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'''This is a day-by-day an irregular summary of media reports and first-hand accounts by various individuals on location in Madagascar with information on the current coronavirus situation in the country. Additionally, the Malagasy government broadcasts daily situation reports by radio and television from where much information here is collected.'''
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<div style="border:1px solid green;display:inline-block;height:150px;width:190px;margin:4px;">
<font size="+1" color="#ff6900">CASES</font><br>
<font size="+10">1063,868791</font></div>
<div style="border:1px solid green;display:inline-block;height:150px;width:150px190px;margin:4px;">
<font size="+1" color="#ff6999">ACTIVE</font><br>
<font size="+10">23,955416</font></div>
<div style="border:1px solid green;display:inline-block;height:150px;width:150px190px;margin:4px;">
<font size="+1" color="#70deae">RECOVERED</font><br>
<font size="+10">759,807002</font></div>
<div style="border:1px solid green;display:inline-block;height:150px;width:150px190px;margin:4px;">
<font size="+1">DEATHS</font><br>
<font size="+10">1061,373</font></div>
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'''31 July 20207 March 2022:''' 120 The long-awaited total reopening of the Malagasy sky after two years of airline suspensions scheduled for 5th March is not yet really effective. The re-opening of the borders also comes with old and new conditions. The sanitary measures remain unchanged. Tourists arriving at [[Ivato International Airport]] must perform a PCR test on location and stay in self-isolation until they are informed of their test result. <!--The Ministry of Transport announced the ban of bags or wheeled suitcases as hand-luggage.--> The reopening of [[Nosy Be]] airport to international flights is delayed again. So far there are only local flights with [[Tsaradia]] to Nosy-Be. Direct charter flights with Neos Air may be effective from April 2022. Air Austral can serve the routes Réunion-Antananarivo-Réunion and Réunion-[[Tamatave]]-Réunion with two weekly flights. Ethiopian Airlines, Air Mauritius, Air Link and Turkish Airlines are not yet on the list. Like the week before, the number of Covid-19 cases keeps continues to decrease. From February 22nd to March 4th, 127 new positive corona virus cases were identified in 17 regions, with Analamanga remaining the epicenter of the epidemic. Five regions recorded no cases at all (Androy, Atsimo-Atsinanana, Atsinanana, Bongolava and Sofia). '''28 February 2022:''' The third wave of the coronavirus epidemic in Madagascar seems to get weaker. While the number of tests carried out last week increased, the number of positive cases had decreased. From February 19th to February 25th, 7671 tests were carried out identifying 209 new cases: * Analamanga: 135* SAVA: 15* Anosy: 11* Ihorombe: 11* Vakinankaratra: 11* Vatovavy and Fitovinany: 11* Bongolava: 08* DIANA: 05* Matsiatra Ambony: 04* Sophia: 04* Alaotra Mangoro : 02* Atsinanana: 02* Boeny: 02* Amoron'i Mania: 01* Analanjirofo: 01* Atsimo Andrefana: 01* Betsiboka: 01* Itasy : 01 815 patients recovered and 16 died. With the decline of new cases, 346 recoveries the state decided to reopen Madagascar's borders on the 5th March. Information on the conditions required for foreign airlines is still not defined. No official communication has been made till yesterday, while the reopening of the borders is supposed to take place in five days. <span style="border:1px solid #cccccc;padding:3px;display:table;width:100%;max-width:600px;"><HTML5video type="youtube">7JZrjHljqBY</HTML5video><br clear="all">Departure and arrival at [[Ivato International Airport]]</span><br> '''20 December 2021:''' The ''Delta'' and ''Omicron'' variants of Covid-19 do not yet exist in Madagascar, contrary to information that has been circulating for a few days on social networks, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Director Dr Rado Razafimahatratra affirms that it is the ''Alpha'' and ''Beta'' variants which are present in the country. The ''Delta'' and ''Omicron'' variants are known for their rapid spread and rise in contamination. The weekly report published last Saturday officially shows 16 deaths and 1 death,501 new confirmed cases of Covid-19. Most In the Analamanga region, the number of new cases doubled to 1,138 cases from December 11 to 17 compared to some 500 cases the week before. The second most affected region is the Vakinankaratra region with 143 new cases are located . 8,908 tests were performed, identifying 1,501 positive corona cases in the following regions: * Analamanga : 1,138* Vakinankaratra: 143* Matsiatra Ambony: 52* Vatovavy sy Fitovinany: 41* Atsimo Andrefana: 30* Diana: 20* Atsimo Atsinanana: 19* Atsinanana: 17* Anosy: 12* Melaky: 8* Amoron'i Mania: 7* Ihorombe: 5* Itasy: 3* Boeny: 3* Betsiboka: 2* Menabe: 1 '''13 December 2021:''' In the week of 4th to 10th December, 7,828 tests were performed, identifying 994 new positive corona cases of which 48 developed a severe form. In the same week, 8 people lost their live in connection with 77 corona. The new corona cases were detected in 17 regions: * Analamanga: 578* Vakinankaratra: 183* Haute Matsiatra: 98* Vatovavy Fitovinany: 30* Anosy: 23* Atsimo Andrefana: 21* Amoron'i Mania: 20* Atsimo Andrefana: 12* Melaky: 9* Atsinanana: 6* DIANA: 5* sporadic cases identified in this Menabe, Itasy, Ihorombe, Sofia and Betsiboka region '''7 December 2021:''' Between 27th November and 3rd December, 6,719 corona tests were performed. 470 new positive Covid-19 cases were detected, 325 alone by contact tracing. With 191 cases, the Analamanga regionis again the main focus of the epidemic. * Analamanga: 191* Vakinankaratra: 114* Matsiatra Ambony: 98* Anosy: 27* Menabe: 9* Amoron'i Mania: 8* Vatovavy Fitovinany: 7* Alaotra Mangoro: 5* Atsimo Andrefana: 4* Sofia: 2* Atsinanana: 1* Boeny: 1* DIANA: 1* Itasy: 1 '''3 December 2021:''' Officially, the delta variant and omicron variant are not yet circulating in Madagascar. 20 Faced with the rise of Covid-19 cases in Madagascar and the threats generated by the Omicron variant in certain African countries, Madagascar closes its air borders to South Africa, following the Council of Ministers of 1st December. '''29 November 2021:''' For the week of 20th November to 26th November, 258 new positive corona cases were identified recorded. 13 people have a severe form. A total of 5,879 tests were carried out. The following 12 regions recorded new cases for the last week:* Analamanga: 114* Vakinankaratra: 54* Menabe: 30* Anosy: 27* Haute Matsiatra: 23* SAVA: 2* Itasy: 2* Melaky: 2* Ihorombe: 2* Atsinanana: 2* Vatovavy Fitovinany: 1* Amoron'i Mania: 1 A new variant of the virus (B1.529) has just been detected in Southern Africa. This variant is more contagious than the delta variant. Various European countries announced that flights from South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini (Swaziland), Zimbabwe and Botswana will be suspended. Faced with the surge in new cases of Covid-19 in Mauritius, commercial flights to and from Mauritius have been suspended since 27th November by Madagascar. Air links between Madagascar and Saudi Arabia have been suspended since 28th November by Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Health ensured that no case of coronavirus contaminated by the new B1.529 variant or delta variant is recorded in Madagascar. "The strategy of dealing with the disease remains the same for the delta variant, as well for the new variant in South Africa. Controls at the airport as well as respect for barrier gestures will be reinforced. The treatment of the disease is similar regardless of the form of Covid-19", indicates the Direction Générale de la Médecine Préventive. The vaccination strategy is reinforced with the population. The United States of America offered an additional 398,970 doses of anti-covid vaccine to Madagascar. Delivered through the COVAX program, the Pfizer vaccine doses arrived at Ivato airport on 25th November. '''24 November 2021:''' Since last Saturday, the Ministry of Health started officially publish statistics on the evolution of Covid-19 cases in Tsiroanomandidythe country. After a few months of calm, Bongolava regionthe epidemic rebounded again, 20 especially in the DIANA region of Vakinankaratra (33 cases in Antsirabe I), Haute Matsiatra (6 cases), Menabe (2 4 cases), Anamalanga (1 case) and Anosy (1 case). As before, the reliability of the statistics is in doubt and the estimated number of undetected cases may be much higher. [[AntsirananaFile:Madagascar_Coronavirus_34.jpg|600px]] Faced with the situation, 1 the Ministry of Health is launching a campaign to remind people of barrier gestures. The looseness is indeed visible everywhere. The wearing of masks, hand washing and physical distancing are running out of steam among the population. Since the start of the epidemic in March 2020, a total of 44,072 confirmed Covid-19 cases were recorded in Madagascar, including 43,383 cases confirmed by PCR tests. 42,802 people recovered and 967 died. The total number of tests performed is 277,849. '''21 November 2021:''' The 9th political dialogue between the State of Madagascar and the European Union was held on 20th November 2021. Amongst the topics were the health situation and its socio-economic issues. [[Nosy BeFile:Madagascar_Coronavirus_33.jpg|600px|thumb|none|[https://www.madagascar-tribune.com/local/cache-vignettes/L720xH477/arton27166-5588b.jpg?1637386955 Madagascar tribune]]] ''Avoid a third wave'' - this objective was affirmed by President Andry Rajoelina. The President recognised that the two Covid-19 waves had disastrous consequences on the Malagasy economy. He listed, amongst other things, job losses, or the impacts on economic sectors such as tourism and related activities such as air transport and crafts. "We are now working on the implementation of a vast program of economic recovery and social development through an emergency multisectoral plan and a post-covid economic recovery plan", declared Andry Rajoelina. He added that the decision to reopen the borders is part of the measures taken in this direction. The President also pointed out, that vaccination against Covid-19 is one of the measures taken to protect the population. He reported that in the current state just over 406,000 Malagasy are vaccinated (3%). The state has set a goal of 1,000, 1 000 people being vaccinated by the end of this year. Through the COVAX initiative and the AVAT program, Madagascar has so far benefited from around 2,000,000 million doses of coronavirus vaccines. The Malagasy population can choose between Astrazeneca, Janssen and Sinopharm. The coronavirus is reappearing in Toamasinaseveral [[Regions, Atsinanana Districts and Communes of Madagascar|regions]] of Madagascar. The situation in the Menabe region, 7 in is said to be worrying. The capital [[FianarantsoaAntananarivo]]also has active cases, Haute Matsiatra regionin particular the Atsimondrano district, 11 with two cases tested positive per day. Active cases are also recorded in the towns of [[AmbatondrazakaAntsirabe]], Alaotra Mangoro region [[Fianarantsoa]] and 1 in [[ManakaraFort Dauphin|Tolagnaro]]. '''19 November 2021:''' On Wednesday, 17th November, the Council of Ministers announced that flights between Madagascar and Mauritius will be suspended, to protect the country from the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus. The last flight between the two countries will on 27th November. Commercial flights between Madagascar and its neighbour resumed on 23rd October. The number of new corona cases has skyrocketed in Mauritius since the reopening of the borders. According to an article published on the Mauritian Express website, the country is among the top 5 African states with the highest number of new daily cases. '''24 October 2021:''' [https://madagascar-tourisme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CP-REOUVERTURE-FRONTIERES-MADAGASCAR-OCT-21.pdf REOUVERTURE-FRONTIERES-MADAGASCAR-OCT-21.pdf] - Gradual and secure reopening of Madagascar's borders '''7 June 2021:''' The latest published numbers show 59 new positive coronavirus cases and 2 deaths for June 5. The positive cases were identified in the following regions: * Analamanga: 37* Atsinanana: 11* Alaotra Mangoro: 3* Vakinankaratra: 2* Vatovavy Fitovinany region: 2* Itasy: 2* Atsimo Andrefana: 1* Sofia: 1 The state of health emergency still applies to the country, but the rules have been revised. Markets are open again and taxi-brousses can transport passengers on national and regional lines. The vaccination campaign against Covid-19 in Madagascar is far from being a success. To dateAs of June 2, only 30,000 of the 250, 000 vaccine doses which arrived the total number second week of May were used. There are more than 200,000 doses still available, which will have to be destroyed if not used before June 18. The Ministry of confirmed Public Health has therefore decided to extend vaccination to a wider public. Now everybody over 18 can be vaccinated. '''23 April 2021:''' 477 new positive coronavirus cases of and 10 Covid-19 related deaths were recorded on April 21. Among the 1,264 tested people, positive cases could be identified in following regions: * Analamanga: 335* Bongolava: 34* Alaotra Mangoro: 29* Sofia: 19* Atsimo Andrefana: 14* Itasy: 12* DIANA: 9* Atsimo Atsinanana: 8* Ihorombe: 7* Manabe: 3* Anosy: 3* Atsinanana: 2* Amorin'i Mania: 2 Madagascar since finally joined the [https://www.gavi.org/covax-facility Covax program] to start vaccination against Covid-19. According to the Minister of Public Health, vaccines under the Covax should be available in Madagascar by mid-July. The four vaccines that will be adopted by the country are AstraZeneca (India), Pfizer-Bionetech, Sinopharm (Chinese) and Johnson & Johnson (American). The Malagasy air borders are closed again. Madagascar will no longer welcome passengers from abroad regardless of their origin. The government has taken this step in order to prevent Covid-19 variants circulating around the world from entering Madagascar. After the suspension of international flights to Madagascar at the epidemic is 10end of March, no other passenger transport from abroad will be authorised. Private flights,868tourist flights to Nosy Be as well as domestic flights to some regions are suspended. Regarding repatriation flights performed by Air France between Antananarivo - Paris - Antananarivo, including planes should return back empty to Madagascar as was already the case last year. '''8 April 2021:''' 253 new cases out of 680 performed tests were recorded on April 6. That is a positivity rate of 37.2%. Seven corona related deaths occured on the same day in Madagascar. In the capital Antananarivo,955 active cases under patients are invading hospitals and Covid-19 treatmentcentres (CTC). A All hospitals and CTCs are overcrowded and patients have to wait hours to see a doctor, not to mention the difficulties of getting a free bed or oxygen. Patients are often placed shoulder to shoulder, barely one metre apart, even the hallways are filled with sick people. Last Saturday, President Andry Rajoelina spoke in particular about Covid-19 and the health measures that would be put in place to stem its spread. For now, Madagascar chooses not to resume containment. But Rajoelina does not rule out a return to ''Fihibohana'' if the pandemic continues to gain ground. "We could see during the first wave of the pandemic that total containment is unbearable for the economy and households. Everyone must take their responsibilities and must be aware of 41the difficulties this could cause. In order to avoid a new confinement, I encourage you to respect the sanitary measures", he hammered. For the moment,194 PCR tests the President continues to prioritise the awareness campaign and recalls that this new South African variant is very dangerous and very deadly. In two weeks, 2,723 geneXpert tests were performed953 new cases and 104 deaths caused by Covid-19 have been recorded in Madagascar. This South African variant affects all age groups. The majority of serious cases treated in hospitals are between 30 and 50 years old. To limit the spread of the virus, all public and private schools as well as universities are closed for two weeks. The closure of three other regions, other than [[Nosy Be]] and Boeny which have already been closed for two weeks, has also been decided. These are Analamanga, Antsinanana and [[SAVA]]. In addition, the curfew is back in these 5 regions from 9pm to 4am. Andry Rajoelina announced a new application of community service as a sanction for those who do not respect the wearing of masks and barrier gestures. For the moment, all sectors, both public and private, are allowed to continue their activities. The restaurants remain open but are only allowed to receive half of their capacity. Bars, karaoke bars and nightclubs are closed. With regard to transport, the national zones connecting the other cities to the Analamanga, Boeny, Antsinanana, SAVA and Nosy-Be regions are suspended from this day. On the other hand, Taxi-Be and urban transport are authorised to continue their work in strict compliance with barrier gestures and the ban on the use of folding seats. The transport of goods continues but with a strict condition: the number of people accompanying the vehicle is limited to three - the driver, the assistant driver and the owner of the transported goods.
For the moment, external flights from Nosy Be remain suspended. However, [[Tsaradia]] is authorised to serve domestic flights in regions not affected by the closure. Passengers must present a PCR test result upon boarding. In churches and mosques, gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited. Also, sporting events must take place in the open air and without a spectator.
New confirmed cases listed by regions:
* Analamanga: 160
* Vakinankaratra: 20
* Sofia: 16
* Melaky: 14
* DIANA: 11
* Analanjirofo: 9
* Atsimo Andrefana: 5
* Alaotro Mangoro: 5
* Ihorombe: 4
* Anosy: 3
* Haute Matsiatra: 2
* Menabe: 1
* Itasy: 1
'''24 March 2021:''' 66 new confirmed cases and 6 corona related deaths were reported alone for March 22. With 52 new cases in one day, Anamalanga still has the highest number of new infections. The number of active cases all over Madagascar almost doubled within a week.
The French Embassy announced a repatriation flight to Réunion island scheduled for 31st March. The flight will be operated by Air Madagascar. The flight is reserved for French nationals, French spouses and students. Nationals of other countries, holders of a valid passport, a residence permit or long-stay visa for Réunion or Mayotte can also take this flight.
'''15 March 2021:''' The number of new positive coronavirus cases is alarmingly increasing. As reported by the Ministry of Public Health, nearly 100 new cases are discovered every day. In the 15 days from February 27 to March 13, 1,327 new Covid-19 cases were identified through 5,800 tests performed. In the same time period, 29 corona related deaths were reported.
The Anamalange region, especially Antananarivo, remains the epicentre of the epidemic. Other regions most affected are DIANA in the north, Boeny in the west and Atsinanana in the east. The resurgence of the virus coincides in particular with the various demonstrations and official events organised in recent days.
From today on, a daily report of the Covid-19 situation in the country will be broadcasted on Malagasy National Television (TVM).
'''9 March 2021:''' The Ministry of Health is lagging behind providing an up-to-date report on the coronavirus in the country. The latest published numbers refer to the time period from February 20 to 26, in which 2,449 tests were performed, identifying 324 new coronavirus cases. There were 3 new deaths related to the virus.
New confirmed cases listed by regions:
* Analamanga: 194
* DIANA: 42
* Atsinanana: 22
* Boeny: 14
* Vakinankaratra: 14
* Menabe: 12
* Analanjirofo: 8
* Amoron'Imania: 6
* Atsimo andrefana: 5
* Matsiatra Ambony: 4
* SAVA: 2
* Ihorombe: 1
'''17 February 2021:''' During the last week, the number of positive coronavirus cases slightly went down whilst the number of deaths increased. 238 confirmed cases and 7 deaths were recorded.
New confirmed cases listed by regions:
* Analamanga: 139
* Atsinanana: 33
* Menabe: 26
* Anosy: 10
* Vakinankaratra: 7
* Atsimo andrefana: 5
* Analanjirofo: 5
* Boeny: 4
* DIANA: 3
* Amoron’Imania: 2
* Ihorombe: 2
* Matsiatra Ambony: 1
* Unidentified: 1
Deaths per region:
* Analamanga: 3
* Vakinankaratra: 2
* Analanjirofo: 1
* Matsiatra Ambony: 1
In Madagascar, 116,740 tests were performed since the start of the pandemic early 2020.
The [https://www.giz.de/en/html/index.html Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit] (GIZ) donated medical equipment and supplies to the Ministry of Health, including ten oxygen concentrators, 50,000 FFP2 masks, 36,000 PCR tests, 2,000 blouses and 1,000 gloves.
The suspension of all [[Air Madagascar]] international commercial flights (long courier and regional) is extended until 31 March 2021. Repatriation flights and freight flights are not affected.
The Madagascar Civil Aviation authority ([http://www.acm.mg/ Aviation Civile de Madagascar]) updated the list of countries from which passengers are not allowed to embark to Madagascar. The list includes the following 44 countries: ''Africa'' - South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Tunisia, Zimbabwe. ''North America'' - Canada, United States. ''Latin America'' - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama Peru, Uruguay. ''Asia'' - Bangladesh, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines. ''Europe'' - Germany, Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine. ''Oceania'' - Australia.
* [https://www.madacamp.com/images/madagascar/Liste_des_pays_a_risque_covid-19.pdf Liste des pays a risque covid-19.pdf]
Trying to avoid the travel ban by entering Madagascar coming from a non-listed country will not work. The Malagasy government announced they will penalise the airline that brings anyone to Madagascar who started their voyage from one of the banned countries, and the person will be removed from Madagascar at the cost of the airline.
As before, only the island of [[Nosy Be]] in the north of Madagascar remains open for tourism. Holiday makers can enjoy Nosy Be and its surrounding islands, are however not allowed to enter the main island.
'''8 February 2021:''' The number of new positive coronavirus cases in Madagascar is slowly decreasing. In the week of January 30 to February 5, 4 deaths and 295 new cases were confirmed. The deaths occurred in the Anamalanga region (3) and in the Haute Matsiatra region (1). 2,596 tests were performed in the thirteen regions of the country, bringing the positivity rate down to 11.36%. Most of the new positive cases were identified in the Anamalanga region (37), followed by Atsinanana (52), Matsiatra Ambony (18), Vakinankaratra (18), Menabe (17), Vatovavy Fitovinany (7), Boeny (2), Analanjirofo (2), Itasy (2), Atsimo Andrefana (2), Ihorombe (1), SAVA (1). There was also one imported case.
'''1 February 2021:''' 2 deaths and 322 new coronaviurs cases were reported during the week of January 23 to 29. The Analamanga region remains the main focus of the epidemic in Madagascar. The number of patients who develop the severe form of Covid-19 is on the rise in the capital. It went from 17 to 28 within one week in the hospitals of Antananarivo. Across Madagascar, 42 patients are suffering from the severe form. The new positive cases were identified in following regions:
* Analamanga: 156
* Haute Matsiatra: 45
* Atsinanana: 33
* Amoron’i Mania: 25
* Menabe: 22
* Vatovavy Fitovinany: 11
* DIANA: 8
* Vakinankaratra: 4
* Boeny: 4
* Anosy: 4
* Atsimo Andrefana: 3
* SAVA: 2
* Analanjirofo: 1
* There were also 4 imported cases.
[[File:Madagascar_Coronavirus_32.jpg|600px]]
'''25 January 2021:''' 442 new coronavirus cases and 3 Covid-19 related deaths were reported for the last week (16th to 22nd January). The new cases are located in the following 12 regions: Analamanga (252), Haute Matsiatra (60), Atsinanana (55), Amoron’i Mania (31), Vakinankaratra (12),
Analanjirofo (3), Vatovavy Fitovinany (3), Atsimo-Andrefana (11), Boeny (6), Menabe (4), Anosy (2), SAVA (2). There is also one imported case.
These deaths were recorded in Analamanga (3), Vakinankaratra (2) and Haute Matsiatra (1).
The Ministry of Public Health has announced that this increase in new positive cases was predictable after the end of year celebrations, during which the barrier gestures were strongly ignored.
'''18 January 2021:''' 300 new confirmed cases and 6 additional deaths linked to Covid-19 during the last week (January 9 to 15) - the numbers are rising compared to a week ago.
The Analamanga region remains the main focus of the epidemic with 183 new cases and 1 death. The number of confirmed cases has almost doubled from the first week of this year. The Matsiatra Ambony region (31 cases and 4 deaths), Vatovavy Fitovinany region (18 cases) and Boeny region (16 cases) are among those with the highest number of recorded cases. Other affected regions are Atsimo-Andrefana (11 cases), Vakinakaratra (9 cases), Analanjirofo (8 cases), Menabe (6 cases), DIANA (6 cases), SAVA (1 case), Amoron'i Mania (1 case). The 6th death this week was reported in the Alaotra Mangoro region (2 cases).
The new report from the [[Ministry of Public Health]] also reveals the existence of an imported case. The Civil Aviation of Madagascar has decided to close the Malagasy air borders to other countries deemed to be at risk in terms of health. The list drawn up shows 44 countries where passengers are prohibited from boarding for Madagascar: 17 European countries, 7 African countries, 10 on the American continent and 9 countries in Asia. In addition, international flights (including private flights) departing and arriving at [[Ivato International Airport|Ivato airport]] remain prohibited. Medical evacuation flights must be subject to prior authorisation. Only [[Nosy Be]] international airport can accommodate international flights under certain conditions. Traveling outside the geographical area of Nosy Be, with the exception of the neighbouring islands, is prohibited for tourists. Regional freight flights remain the same as before.
'''17 January 2021:''' Contamination seems to increase after the end of the year holidays and may be a result of loosening the respect of barrier gestures, physical distancing and compulsory mask wearing. During the week of January 2 to 8, 5 deaths and 234 new coronavirus cases were reported, compared to 1 death and 53 new cases the week before from December 28 to January 1. The reported positive cases are located in Antananarivo (93) and following regions: Boeny (48), Matsiatra Ambony (25), Analanjirofo (16), Amoron'i Mania (16), Vatovavy Fitovinany (11), Menabe (11), DIANA (2), Atsimo Andrefana (2), Vakinankaratra (9).
The Ministry of Public Health has announced the reopening of the Covid-19 treatment centre in Andohatapenaka. People showing symptoms and possible contact cases can perform a PCR test there.
According to Pr Jean Louis Rakotovao, Minister of Public Health, the spread of the Covid-19 virus is still under control. He did not discuss the issues of vaccination against Covid-19. The authorities have already excluded the use of these vaccines on Malagasy soil and prefer to rely on Covid-Organics (CVO).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the poorest countries will start receiving their first doses of vaccines between the end of January and mid-February as part of the international Covax program. This program aims to provide enough doses to immunise 20% of the population in each of the participating countries by the end of the year. For the moment, Madagascar has not requested to benefit from the Covax facility.
In Antananarivo, the police counted 1,290 people punished over the past two days for not wearing a mask. The latter were called to order and subjected to community service, namely the cleaning of roads and public gardens.
[[File:Madagascar_Coronavirus_31.jpg|600px|thumb|none|[https://www.madagascar-tribune.com/IMG/arton26514.jpg?1610598924 Madagascar tribune] / Photo Polisim-pirenena Malagasy]]
'''21 December 2020:''' 46 new positive coronavirus cases were identified in the week from 11th December to 18th December. Among the 13 regions affected by the coronavirus, the Analamanga region holds with 25 the highest number of new cases. The remaining new positive cases are located in
Vakinakaratra (2), Bongolava (1), Itasy (1), Matsiatra Ambony (4), Menabe (2) and DIANA (11).
155 new healings were reported for the concerned 13 regions: Analamanga (50), DIANA (82), SAVA (7), Menabe (1), Atsimo Andrefana (1), Boeny (3), Ihorombe (1), Vatovavy Fitovinany (1), Matsiatra Ambony (6), Bongolava (2), Antsiranana (2).
Each new detected case will no longer be taken care of at home. Just as at the start of the confinement, positive cases will directly be hospitalised in order to limit the spread of the disease and people who were in contact with the patient are sought.
'''17 November 2020:''' Although the cases of contamination are not as high as a few months ago, the coronavirus continues to progress slowly in the Analamanga region. During the week from 8th November to 13th November, 87 new positive cases were recorded throughout the country, of which 37 are located in the Analamange region. Altogether, the number of contaminations increased compared to that of the previous week by 17 positive cases.
The new positive cases were identified in following regions:
* Analamanga: 37
* Haute-Matsiatra: 24
* Alaotra Mangoro: 8
* DIANA: 4
* Vatovavy Fitovinany: 4
* Vakinankaratra: 2
* Boeny: 2
* Atsimo Andrefana: 2
* Itasy: 1
* SAVA: 1
* Amoron'i Mania: 1
* Menabe: 1
The Minister of Public Health, Professor Hanitrala Jean-Louis Rakotovao, called last week for the respect of barrier gestures: "The fight against Covid-19 continues until the total eradication of this disease, ... which depends on the behaviour of everyone." People were reminded to wear a mask, practise physical distancing and regularly wash their hands.
As Madagascar is home to 12,000 species of plants, amongst which are many medicinal plants, the Malagasy people trust in the power of natural plant-based treatments. [[Jean Claude Ratsimivony|Dr Jean Claude Ratsimivony]], CEO and founder of the JCR Group, has over many years developed treatments to strengthen the immune system. Currently, [[JCR's immune-strengthening medicinal plant extracts]] are researched and tested in the Max Planck Institute in Berlin, Germany, to prove a possible positive effect in fighting Covid-19.
Air Austral announced it resumption of its regional flights between Réunion and Madagascar from the 1st December. Two flights per week are planned between Réunion and [[Toamasina]] and between Réunion and [[Nosy Be]]. One flight a week will fly between Réunion and [[Tulear]] / [[Fort Dauphin]].
The suspension of all [[Air Madagascar]] international commercial flights (long-haul and regional) is extended until 31st December 2020.
'''9 November 2020:''' In the week of 31st October to 7th November, 122 new coronavirus cases and 5 new corona related deaths were recorded in Madagascar. 2,495 PCR and GeneXpert tests were performed, with a positivity rate of 4.88%. 17 of the new positive cases were imported from abroad, coming on authorised flights including the last repatriation flight of Malagasy nationals on 31st October.
The new contaminations are located in the following regions:
* Haute-Matsiatra: 20
* Alaotra Mangoro: 19
* Analamanga: 17
* DIANA: 11
* SAVA: 10
* Vatovavy Fitovinany: 8
* Atsimo Andrefana: 5
* Anosy: 4
* Vakinankaratra: 3
* Atsinanana: 3
* Menabe: 2
* Boeny: 2
* Ihorombe: 1
* (Imported cases: 17)
Due to the increasing Covid-19 cases worldwide and also on Réunion, Air Austral has stopped all flights between Réunion and Nosy Be.<br><br>
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<HTML5video type="youtube">RkQ3PVYfAO8</HTML5video><br clear="all">
STOPEO NY CORONA (Malagasy artists sing together to fight Covid-19)</span><br>
'''20 October 2020:''' Between 10th and 16th October, 131 new cases of coronavirus were detected in Madagascar:
* Diana: 31
* Analamanga: 22
* Sava: 8
* Menabe: 8
* Vatovavy Fitovinany: 8
* Haute-Matsiatra: 7
* Atsimo Andrefana: 6
* Alaotra Mangoro: 6
* Melaky: 5
* Vakinankaratra: 4
* Amoron'i Mania: 2
* Anôsy: 2
* Atsinanana: 1
* Boeny: 1
* the locations of the remaining 20 cases were not publicised
One death linked to the coronavirus was reported for the same week.
Throughout his tv speech on Sunday, President Andry Rajoelina announced the lifting of the health emergency, which lasted 6 months and 26 days. Finally, the country can return to an almost normal life, still with some reservations necessitated by vigilance, such as the closure of the borders with the exception of the international airport on Nosy Be. Rajoelina declared that due to the second Covid-19 wave in many countries of the world, especially in Europe, regional flights to other countries of the Indian Ocean (Réunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros) will be suspended from 29th October. The last repatriation flight of nationals still stranded in foreign countries is limited until 1st November. Air Madagascar, which has already established a restricted program of repatriation flights, can still provide these flights for a few more weeks.
Rajoelina also indicated that safety measures remain to be respected, which include wearing a mask, keeping social distancing, washing hands with soap or disinfectant gel. He also pointed out that any gathering of more than 200 people is still prohibited to prevent the second wave of the viral disease.
'''6 October 2020:''' 12 new cases of coronavirus and 1 death were reported yesterday. The new positive cases are located in the following regions: Analamanga (3), SAVA (3), DIANA (3) and Vakinankaratra (1). 2 cases were among the passengers who landed on Nosy Be. Overall, the cure rate has clearly increased over the last days with 94% of individuals carrying the virus confirmed to be cured. These figures seem to explain why the government has decided to reduce health measures for the umpteenth time. The state of health emergency is extended but the curfew is lifted. Today, among the recommended barrier gestures, only the wearing of a mask is still encouraged. Sports matches will be authorised, but the number of spectators should not exceed 200 people. The next local match of the national football team will then be open to the public. Cultural events, parties and shows could continue while rigorously respecting barrier gestures and social distancing. However, according to Andry Rajoelina, ''[[famadihana]]'' remains banned throughout the country.
'''2 October 2020:''' Yesterday, 46 positive coronavirus cases were detected out of 282 performed tests. The new positive cases are located in 11 regions, among them 9 in Alaotra Mangoro and 15 in [[Antsiranana]]. Overall, the number of recovered patients is increasing.
[[File:Madagascar_Coronavirus_030.jpg|597px|thumb|none|Photo from [https://www.lexpress.mg/02/10/2020/tourisme-redemarrage-en-douceur-sur-lile-aux-parfums L'Express]]]
Nosy Be welcomed the first international tourists to Madagascar since the shutdown of the sky. The tourists arrived with Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa and are mostly regular visitors to the perfume island.
'''21 September 2020:''' Over the last weekend, 6 deaths, 82 new cases and 59 healings were reported. Analamanga shows the strongest progression of new cases (51), followed by Alaotra Mangoro (10), Sava (7), Vatovavy Fitovinany (6), Haute Matsiatra (5), Itasy (1), Boeny (1) and Diana (1).
After a drop in positive coronavirus cases in Antsiranana, the national road RN6 will now also open for passenger transport from 26th September 2020. The RN6 was the only national road not able to fully open a fortnight ago, when the number of COVID-19 cases in Antsiranana reached its peak.
As announced by President Rajoelina 14 days ago, a gradual reopening of the skies of Madagascar was confirmed by the Prime Minister yesterday. In addition to the resumption of international flights to Nosy Be from 1st October, the regional airports of Antsiranana, Toamasina, Taolagnaro and Toliara will be open to flights performed by [[Tsaradia]] from the islands of the Indian Ocean from the 29th October. The domestic airlines connecting Antananarivo and the former province of Antsiranana will reopen from 26th September. The Sava and Diana regions, where contaminations had a small rebound, will remain suspended from flights despite the opening of all regional and national lines in the country. Antananarivo airport remains closed to international and regional flights.
'''1 September 2020:''' There is a decrease in the number of people being tested to identify those infected by the coronavirus, partly due to the fact that there aren't enough test kids available to the general public. Testing tends to be limited to hospitals in regional cities. Out of the 209 tests carried out yesterday, 20 people were diagnosed positive. Currently, there are 836 active cases in Madagascar. 1 coronavirus related death was reported yesterday.
'''29 August 2020:''' The latest 503 coronavirus tests identified 104 new cases of COVID-19. The cases are located in the following regions: 50 in Analamanga, 19 in SAVA (13 in [[Sambava]]), 12 in Vakinankaratra (all in [[Antsirabe]]), 10 in Sofia, 4 in Boeny, 3 in DIANA, 2 in Menabe, 2 in Haute Matsiatra, 1 in Alaotra Mangoro and 1 in Anosy. Sadly, also 3 deaths were reported (2 in the Anamalanga region and 1 in the DIANA region). In total, there are 14,696 identified coronavirus cases in Madagascar since the beginning of the pandemic in March. As of today, 800 people are currently under treatment and 187 died due to the virus.
According to Judicael Ramangalaza, mayor of Sambava, the sudden rise of COVID-19 cases in the so far spared SAVA region can be explained by the increased flow of vanilla buyers coming from infected localities to [[Sambava]].
'''24 August 2020:''' In the Anamalanga region, the number of newly by the coronavirus infected people goes down. However, the virus is spreading in other regions of the country, among them two locations which reported their first case of COVID-19 (Mandoto in the Vakinankaratra region and Ambatofinandrahana in the Amoron'i Mania region). As of yesterday, 50 new cases of coronavirus were identified, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 14,327. In the last two days, no deaths linked to the coronavirus were reported.
In his Sunday tv speech, President Andry Rajoelina announced that public transport and domestic flights will resume their services but under conditions. Public transport in the city of Antananarivo and surroundings can run until 8pm. Strict sanitary arrangements must be followed, such as the use of disinfectant gel, wearing a mask and daily disinfection of the vehicle. The use of folding seats remains prohibited. A gradual resumption of national lines leaving from Antananarivo was also announced by the President. "The total reopening of national areas will depend on the evolution of the pandemic in the capital in the next fifteen days."
Flights connecting Antananarivo and Sambava, Antsiranana, Toalagnaro, Toliara, Nosy Be, Mahajanga, Sainte Marie, Maroantsetra and Morondava will resume from 1st September. All passengers must undergo a PCR screening test 48 hours before take-off and must present a negative result certificate before boarding.
[[File:Madagascar_Coronavirus_028.jpg|600px]]
'''13 August 2020:''' 215 PCR tests and 185 geneXpert tests identified 80 new coronavirus cases in Madagascar, of which 27 are located in the Anamalanga region, 24 in Alaotra Mangoro (all in Ambatondrazaka), 8 in Diana, 7 in Haute Matsiatra, 6 in Boeny, 2 in Sofia (1 Antsohihy and 1 in Port Bergé), 2 in Androy, 2 in SAVA (all in [[Sambava]]), 8 in DIANA (2 in [[Ambanja]] and 6 in [[Antsiranana]]), 1 each in Atsinanana and
Atsimo Andrefana. Furthermore, 4 deaths were reported.
'''12 August 2020:''' 115 new postitive cases of coronavirus, 265 recoveries and one death as of yesterday. It's the first time, that the number of new cases dropped below the 50 mark. 43 of the 115 new cases are located in the Anamalanga region. The remaining are located in the following regions: 29 in Vakinankaratra (including 27 in Antsirabe, 1 in Betafo and 1 in Antanifotsy), 1 in Itasy (Miarinarivo), 1 in Atsinanana, 14 in Alaotra Mangoro (all in Ambatondrazaka), 3 in Amoron'i Mania (all in Ambositra), 10 in Boeny, 1 in Sofia (Antsohihy), 10 in Atsimo-Andrefana, 3 in Anosy (including 2 in Tsihombe and 1 in Amboasary Atsimo). The 1 COVID-19 related death occured in Anamalanga. As of today, 11,276 people have already recovered from COVID-19 since the start of the epidemic. A total of 49,742 PCR tests 3,798 geneXpert tests were performed.
After long months of waiting, Andry Rajoelina finally announced the start of repatriation flights last Sunday. 1,600 Malagasy nationals are stranded around the world for now more than four months because of the border closures due to the coronavirus. At least two repatriation flights are planned in Europe. The list of repatriates in priority will be established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The returnees have to undergo a series of measures, like the presentation of a negative PCR test carried out 72 hours before boarding. In Madagascar, the returnees have to go into isolation of maximum four days pending the result of the second test which is required on arrival.
[[File:Madagascar_Coronavirus_029.jpg|600px]]
'''10 August 2020:''' According to president Andry Rajoelina, the Anamalanga region is in the stabilisation phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last days, the Anamalanga region shows a decrease in contamination. The districts of Toamasina I and Toamasina II in the Atsinanana region already passed the peak. On the other hand, the Boeny, Itasy, Bongolava, Haute-Matsiatra, Betsiboka, Alaotra-Mangoro and Atsimo-Andrefana regions face a recrudescence or outbreak of the pandemic.
During his speech, Andry Rajoelina defended the COVID-Organics, an artemisia-based remedy which is strongly promoted by the Head of State: "It is thanks to the massive distribution of COVID-Organics herbal tea throughout the country that we have a low case fatality rate."
Due to the lower coronavirus cases in the Anamalanga and Alaotra Mangoro region, the rules of confinement will be loosened. Working hours are extended until 5pm for public and private sectors. Civil servants except those considered to be at risk must return to their post. The curfew is maintained between 9pm and 4am. Any gathering of more than 50 people is still prohibited and places of cultural or sporting events remain closed. Wearing a protective mask is still compulsory and offenders will be penalised. The schedule for national exams is maintained but schools remain closed. Public transport remains suspended, as does the transport of dead bodies outside the Analamanga region. Domestic air flights are still suspended. Entry and exit from Analamanga remain prohibited. Health roadblocks will be replaced by security barriers where only the gendarmes will ensure controls. No doctor will be present at the roadblocks anymore.
In the districts of Toamasina I, all partial deconfinement measures have been lifted and the return to normal is announced.
Over the weekend, 13 deaths, 378 new coronavirus cases and 404 recoveries were reported.
'''8 August 2020:''' 1 new death was recorded yesterday, bringing the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 to 135. There were also 182 new positive coronavirus cases reported in Madagascar. The new cases are located mainly in Analamanga (141) as well as in 9 other regions: 2 in Itasy (Soavinandriana), 1 in Atsinanana, 2 in Amoron'i Mania ([[Ambositra]]), 8 in Ihorombe, 6 in Boeny, 2 in Betsiboka (Maevatanana), 1 in Sofia, 7 in Atsimo-Andrefana ([[Toliara]]) and 3 in Menabe ([[Morondava]]). In total, 12,708 COVID-19 cases were confirmed by testing, of which 2,161 are active cases. The total number of healings is 10,412, at a cure rate of 80.5%.
''' 5 August 2020:''' The Analamanga region still remains the epicenter of the epidemic, although coronavirus is spreading to 20 other regions of the country. Out of the 235 cases confirmed last Monday, 185 were recorded in Analamanga. The Melaky region (central west Madagascar) remains the only region not yet affected by COVID-19.
'''31 July 2020:''' 120 new positive coronavirus cases, 346 recoveries and 1 death. Most of the new cases are located in Analamanga with 77 cases identified in this region. 20 cases were identified in Tsiroanomandidy, Bongolava region, 20 in the DIANA region (2 in [[Antsiranana]], 1 on [[Nosy Be]]), 1 in Toamasina, Atsinanana region, 7 in [[Fianarantsoa]], Haute Matsiatra region, 11 in [[Ambatondrazaka]], Alaotra Mangoro region and 1 in [[Manakara]], Vatovavy Fitovinany region. To date, the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Madagascar since the start of the epidemic is 10,868, including 2,955 active cases under treatment. A total of 41,194 PCR tests and 2,723 geneXpert tests were performed.
56 cases of coronavirus contamination were reported in 3 prisons. Due to the overcrowding of Malagasy prisons, this number may rise quickly. Currently, there are 28,000 people detained in all the prisons throughout the country, whilst the capacity should not exceed 11,000.
[[Air Madagascar]] extents flight suspension again for another month until 31st August 2020. This includes long-haul and regional flights to and from Madagascar:
* Antananarivo - Mauritius - Antananarivo
* Antananarivo - La Réunion - Antananarivo
* Antananarivo - Dzaoudzi - Moroni - Antananarivo
* Toamasina - La Réunion - Toamasina
* Sainte Marie - La Réunion - Sainte Marie
* Toliara - Taolagnaro - La Réunion - Toliara
* Antananarivo - Paris - Antananarivo
* Antananarivo - Marseille - Antananarivo
* Antananarivo - Guangzhou - Antananarivo
'''25 July 2020:''' The number of new coronavirus cases is still rising. Yesterday, there were 360 new cases, of which 321 are located in Analamanga, 5 in Itasy, 14 in Mahajanga, 11 in Haute Matsiatra, 3 in Atsimo-Andrefana, 2 in Atsinanana, 1 each in Mandritsara, Antsohihy and Port-Bergé and 1 at an unknown location. There were 362 healings and 6 deaths. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases is 8,741, of which 3,143 are currently active. A total of 36,776 tests has been carried out between 19th March and 23rd July 2020.
== More information ==
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-54781496
* [[JCR's immune-strengthening medicinal plant extracts]]
* https://www.dw.com/en/germany-scientists-test-artemisia-plant-against-coronavirus/a-53944514
