Argentina: Authorities extend COVID-19 measures through at least Aug. 6 /update 38

Argentina extends COVID-19 measures through at least Aug. 6; domestic and international entry restrictions largely unchanged.

Event

Authorities in Argentina have extended measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 through at least Aug. 6 due to continued high levels of virus activity. Authorities designate regions as low risk, medium risk, high risk, or in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological alarm in increasing order of COVID-19 transmission risk. Regional risk levels can be found here.

Low-risk areas are subject to national level restrictions only, including a ban on indoor private gatherings over 10 people, a capacity limit of 50 percent for indoor businesses and venues, and the requirement to wear facemasks in public spaces.
Medium-risk areas are also subject to national-level restrictions; local authorities are empowered to impose additional restrictions, including possible curfews and reduced capacity limits.
In high-risk areas, there is a daily 00:01-06:00 curfew in place during which time people may only leave their homes for essential purposes, outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, many nonessential businesses and activities are suspended, catering establishments may only operate take-away services between 23:00-06:00, and indoor businesses and venues are limited to 30 percent capacity. National level restrictions also apply.
In areas in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological alarm, the curfew is in place from 20:00-06:00, public transport may only be used by essential and authorized personnel, shopping centers and malls are closed, many nonessential businesses are closed, and those that remain open must close at 19:00, catering establishments may only serve customers in outdoor areas between 06:00-19:00. National level restrictions also apply.

Though the majority of Buenos Aires is classified as high-risk as of July 10, authorities are implementing slightly amended restrictions. A 00:01-06:00 curfew is in place, private gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors, and capacity for most indoor businesses and venues are limited to 30 percent. Authorities will begin gradually resuming subway services from July 12.

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. Passengers may transit Argentinian airports provided they remain within the facility, and their onward flights depart within 24 hours. Passenger flights from the UK, Turkey, Chile, Brazil, India and the continent of Africa remain banned, except for 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 with a further test on day seven of the quarantine period. Travelers may be subject to additional testing upon arrival.

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.