Argentina: Authorities ease COVID-19 measures, simplify stoplight system, through at least Sep. 6 /update 39

Event

Authorities in Argentina have relaxed certain measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 through at least Sep. 6 due to decreased disease activity. Officials have also modified the country's risk levels. Authorities designate regions as medium risk, high risk, or in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological (severe risk) alarm in increasing order of COVID-19 transmission risk.

• Medium-risk and high-risk areas are subject to nationwide restrictions, including a ban on indoor private gatherings with over 10 people in enclosed spaces, a capacity limit of 70 percent for indoor businesses and venues, and the requirement to wear facemasks in public spaces. Outdoor gatherings can have up to 100 people.

• Additional measures apply in areas in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological alarm. Measures include a 20:00-06:00 curfew, 50 percent capacity restrictions for most indoor businesses, and 30 percent capacity limits for most indoor cultural, religious, and sporting events. Such measures will be in effect for at least nine days from the state of alarm's start date.

Though the majority of Buenos Aires is classified as medium-risk as of Aug. 9, authorities are implementing slightly amended restrictions. Capacity for most indoor businesses and venues is limited to 50 percent, while public transport remains largely limited to essential workers and those working in a handful of others sectors. Authorities will begin gradually reopening further metro stations from Aug. 17.

International Travel
All ports of entry remain closed to most nonresident foreign nationals until further notice. Only citizens, legal residents, and those foreign nationals authorized to travel for employment, commercial, diplomatic, sporting events, or essential family reunification reasons, are allowed entry. The closure of the country's land border with Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil will also stay in force; a potential reopening of select land border crossings for fully vaccinated travelers from Chile and Uruguay may occur beginning Sep. 6. 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 take an additional COVID-19 test upon arrival, complete a mandatory self-quarantine for a total of at least seven days, and undergo a further test on day seven of the quarantine period.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
National Directorate of Migration - Affidavit
Government of Argentina - COVID-19 (Spanish)