Argentina: Authorities ban ticket sales for commercial flights until September 1 /update 11

Event

On Monday, April 27, Argentina's National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) announced the banning of ticket sales for commercial flights until Tuesday, September 1, in response to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The new measure reportedly includes ticket sales for flights into and out of, as well as within, Argentina. According to the government, the decree's aim is to prevent the booking of flights that have not been previously approved by ANAC.

Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez had previously announced on Saturday, April 24, that mandatory quarantine orders were to be extended until Sunday, May 10. Fernandez also stated that despite the extension of the lockdown, people are allowed to go for daytime walks.

Under the lockdown measures, all individuals are required to remain at home unless going out to purchase basic goods. Bakeries, supermarkets, pharmacies, public and private hospitals, and service stations are allowed to operate. On Friday, April 10, the government announced several modifications to the measures, including the reopening of banks on Monday, April 13. Police officers have been deployed to enforce the quarantine measures.

Authorities are requiring the use of face masks for those residing in La Rioja, Jujuy, Santiago del Estero, Salta, Misiones, Catamarca, Chaco, and Buenos Aires provinces. Lack of compliance may result in a fine of 1000 Argentine pesos in some provinces (USD 15.40).

As of April 27, 3892 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Argentina, as well as 192 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.