Argentina: Authorities to resume international flights from November 1 /update 28

Event

Argentine authorities announced on Friday, October 30, that international commercial flights will resume from Sunday, November 1, amid further easing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictive measures. Initially, only Argentine citizens and those from neighboring countries will be permitted air travel into the country. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before a traveler's flight will be required as will a sworn statement stating that they are symptom-free.   

Previously on October 20, domestic flights and long-distance buses and trains were allowed to resume operations. However, only essential workers, persons requiring medical attention, individuals returning to their home provinces, and others with special authorization will be allowed to utilize the services.

Argentina's borders remain closed to foreign nationals outside of neighboring countries until further notice. The wearing of face masks is mandatory in public places and social distancing measures remain in place.

As of October 31, there have been 1,157,179 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Argentina with 30,792 associated fatalities. 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, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.