Argentina announces new restrictions on social gatherings, bars and restaurants, and traffic

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – President Alberto Fernández announced a package of restrictive measures ordered by his government to stop the surge in contagions generated by the second wave of coronavirus. The announcement was recorded, and he was alone since he is in isolation after having contracted the coronavirus last Friday.

In a few minutes, he announced the details of a Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU), where the toughest measure is the restriction on circulation throughout the country between midnight and 6 AM.

People considered essential will have to apply for a permit, with which they will be able to circulate at any time to go to work or return home. Also, one hour before, at 11:00 p.m., businesses will have to close their doors.

The measure will be in force from midnight Friday, April 9, and will last until April 30. It will apply to the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) and the localities with more contagion. According to the classification of the epidemiological traffic light provided by the Government, there are 87 such localities.

In the areas of the country considered of medium epidemiological and sanitary risk, the governors may adopt, at an early stage, measures to reduce circulation to prevent contagion. It is the sole responsibility of the provinces to monitor and enforce any movement restriction measures. Depending on the jurisdiction, the authorities may only extend these hours depending on each place’s specificities.

Another of the main measures will be to exercise greater control over public transportation in AMBA. The Government will permit only people included in the list of essential workers to travel. Teachers and students are essential, since on-site classes will be maintained despite the increase in the number of cases.

To travel in the country, people who are authorized will have to obtain a new driver’s license through the application provided by the Government. In principle, it will be the CUIDAR app. The national government asked for the implementation of greater controls on transportation.

The President recorded the video under strict protocol because he is still isolated after being infected with Covid-19.

“Only in the last 7 days the cases increased 36% in the whole country, and 53% in AMBA; Argentina has entered the second wave”, said Fernández in the message he gave from the presidential residence. The Government’s concern increased in the last few days at the same rate as the number of contagions.

In a country where the epidemiological and sanitary risk is higher, social activities in private homes and social gatherings for more than 20 people in open-air public spaces will be suspended.

Also, graduation and tourist group trips will be suspended. Amateur sports competitions will be suspended throughout the country and any sport’s recreational practice in closed places where more than 10 people participate. This type of measure was not under consideration in the last weeks and ended up being included to deepen the restrictions’ impact.

Cinemas and theaters, which already have protocols, will remain in force, but casinos, bingos, discos, and nightclubs, which also had protocols, will have to suspend their activities.

The President called on Argentines to respect and strengthen hygiene and distancing measures: “We need everyone’s commitment to reduce the speed of contagion while we move forward with vaccination. We must take new care measures. What happens in the second wave will depend on the measures we implement, on the rigorous control in each jurisdiction and, fundamentally, on the commitment of each member of our community.”

Also, he stressed that, despite the epidemiological situation, in person classes continue to be a priority for the Government: “In these months we want to take care of health, economic recovery and that it is possible to be present in schools.”

In the same line, he explained that “if we prioritize this, it is necessary that together we carry out a series of actions to lower the transmission speed.”

He added: “The higher the transmission and the greater the occupation of the healthcare system, the more restrictive measures we will have to take. The more we take care of ourselves, the more we will be able to reduce the transmission of the virus.”

After announcing all the measures to stop the advance of the second wave, Alberto Fernández concluded his message with a request and a commitment: “I beg you to join me in this new effort. United and united. We will redouble our care and vaccination in the coming months.”

Source: Infobae