Argentina: Authorities extend and reimpose stricter COVID-19 restrictions in multiple cities until August 30 /update 24

Event

Authorities have reimposed, or extended, Phase 1 restrictions in multiple cities, including Buenos Aires Metropolitan area, through to at least August 30. Under Phase 1 restriction, strict quarantine measures are in place whereby residents are permitted outside homes and accommodation for essential activities only, such as purchasing food or medicine. Individuals working in essential sectors, such as government, health, security, and the production of essential goods, will be permitted to leave for work. Outdoor exercise will be permitted between 10:00 and 18:00 (local time). Large gatherings are prohibited, including most cultural, recreational, and religious events. The cities which will be placed (or remain) under Phase 1 include Buenos Aires, Chamical and La Rioja (La Rioja province), Tartagal (Salta province), Rio Gallegos (Santa Cruz province), La Banda and Santiago del Estero (Santiago del Estero province), and Rio Grande (Tierra del Fuego province).

Across the rest of the country, quarantine orders have been largely lifted and most businesses have resumed operations following hygiene measures and protocols. Social gatherings remain banned nationwide until August 30. Entertainment venues including cinemas, theaters, clubs, and cultural centers remain closed and tourist activities remain prohibited. Individuals are required to wear face masks or coverings which cover the nose and mouth in public and observe social distancing guidelines. Measures may vary in different provinces.

Argentina's borders are closed to foreign nationals and non-residents until further notice. While the Argentine government is permitting a limited number of exceptional international flights, all scheduled international flights have been suspended until September 1. Most domestic flights are also suspended until September 1. International cargo, medical, and humanitarian transport are exempt with enhanced screening measures reportedly in place for airline crew and truck drivers. Free movement within each jurisdiction is permitted in most areas not under Phase 1 restrictions, so long as social distancing regulations are observed. Inter-provincial travel is prohibited for most individuals and security forces have erected checkpoints along thoroughfares to ensure this; generally, only essential workers are permitted to travel between provinces.

As of Monday, August 17, there have been 294,569 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 5703 associated fatalities in Argentina. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.