Argentina: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions in several provinces until November 29 /update 29

Event

Argentinian authorities announced that several coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions have been extended through ten provinces of the country on Sunday, November 8, due to a rise in COVID-29 cases. Isolation measures have been implemented in various municipalities across Buenos Aires, Chubut, Neuquen, Rio Negro, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, and Tierra del Fuego. Under the extension, provincial governments will enforce various COVID-19 restrictions regarding public transport, interdepartmental travel, and nonessential commercial activities including sports and entertainment activities. The extension will remain in place until at least November 29.

Some COVID-19 related measures remain in place nationwide. Gatherings of more than 10 people are permitted outdoors, while indoor gatherings remain banned. Cinemas, theaters, and clubs remain mostly closed. Additionally, protective facemasks remain mandatory in all public places.

As of Sunday, November 8, there have been 1,236,851 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Argentina and 33,348 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.