Argentina: Authorities ease some COVID-19 restrictions until June 11; strict measures in place June 5-6 /update 35

Event

Authorities in Argentina have issued orders to ease certain COVID-19 nationwide restrictions through June 11, due to changes in virus activity; however, a strict lockdown will be in place during the June 5-6 weekend. The new measures are similar to those in place before a nine-day lockdown which was in place in late May.

Under the directives, social gatherings with more than 10 people are banned, touristic or school group trips are suspended, and people at higher risk of severe disease for COVID-19 must not go to work nationwide. Other restrictions are in place depending on the level of disease activity in a specific region or province.

In areas under a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological Alarm (those with the highest levels of COVID-19 activity and restrictions), including the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, as well as the capital areas of the provinces of Catamarca, Cordoba, Corrientes, Entre Rios, Mendoza, Salta, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero and Tucuman, shopping centers and malls must close, sporting, recreational, cultural and religious activities in indoor spaces are banned, and all nonessential businesses, including restaurants and bars, must close daily 19:00-06:00. Gyms and fitness centers, casinos, discotheques and event venues must remain closed. Individuals must remain within their households between 20:00-06:00, gatherings in private homes are banned, and public transportations must be used only by essential and authorized personnel.

In areas under a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological High Risk, similar restrictions are in place, but nonessential businesses may remain open until 23:00, and individuals must remain within their households 00:00-06:00.

International Travel
All ports of entry remain closed to most nonresident foreign nationals until further notice. Only citizens, legal residents, and foreign nationals authorized to travel for employment, commercial, diplomatic, sporting events, or essential family reunification reasons are allowed entry. Passengers may transit Argentinian airports provided they remain within the facility and their onward flights depart within 24 hours. Passenger flights from the UK, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, and India remain banned, with the exception of limited flights for repatriating Argentinian citizens. The closure of the land borders to residents of Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil will also stay in force. A reduced number of flights to and from Europe, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, and the US remain available. Generally, international cargo, medical, and humanitarian transport operations are running normally; however, truck drivers and aircraft flight crews may be subject to enhanced screening measures.

Persons permitted entry - including Argentinian nationals, residents, and authorized foreign nationals - must complete an affidavit for the National Directorate of Migration up to 48 hours before travel and provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel. Nonresident foreign nationals must also provide proof of medical insurance. All arrivals must complete a mandatory self-quarantine for a total of 10 days after taking the PCR test. Travelers may be subject to additional testing upon arrival.

Domestic Travel
Domestic flights, along with long-distance bus and train services, are operating, though significant cancellations may occur during lockdown periods; circulation passes may be required to travel to/from airports. Authorities continue to restrict interprovincial travel, which is largely reserved only for essential workers and other authorized persons. Some provinces and municipalities may enforce local entry requirements, including mandates to present negative results from COVID-19 testing.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, tighten, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.