Argentina: Government extends nationwide lockdown until May 10 /update 10

Event

Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez announced on Saturday, April 24, that the current mandatory quarantine orders to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be extended until Sunday, May 10. Fernandez also stated that despite the extension of the lockdown, people will be allowed to go for daytime walks. The mandatory quarantine orders were originally imposed in mid-March.

The restrictive measures associated with the mandatory quarantine will remain in place. 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.

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 Sunday, April 26, there are 3780 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 185 associated fatalities in the country. 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.