Argentina: Thousands protest extended COVID-19 quarantine measures in Buenos Aires June 6 /update 17

Event

On Saturday, June 6, thousands of people gathered at the Plaza de la República in Buenos Aires to protest recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) quarantine measures. The protesters gathered at the plaza's obelisk following an announcement on Thursday, June 4, by President Alberto Fernandez, that lockdown measures in Buenos Aires would be extended until June 28.

Under the lockdown measures, all individuals are required to remain at home unless going out to purchase basic goods or for other essential purposes. Banks, bakeries, supermarkets, mechanics, delivery services, pharmacies, public and private hospitals, and service stations, amongst others, are permitted to operate. Despite the extension, some businesses and recreational spaces are allowed to reopen in a slight easing of restrictions.

As well as the city and territory of Buenos Aires, lockdown measures will also be extended for the same period in some areas of Chaco, Cordoba, Chubut, and Rio Negro provinces where the infection rate of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is high. For the rest of the country where the infection rate of COVID-19 is lower, a gradual easing of restrictions continues. Although regional variations apply, in general people will no longer be required to stay at home and can resume normal activities, providing they maintain social distance.

A suspension of ticket sales for commercial flights remains in place until September 1. This includes ticket sales for all flights into and out of, as well as within, Argentina, preventing the booking of flights without approval from the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC). However, specially chartered repatriation flights have been allowed to continue operating.

As of June 7, authorities have confirmed 21,037 cases of COVID-19 in Argentina and 648 associated deaths. 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.