Omicron variant: Argentina orders compulsory isolation for those arriving from Africa

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The government ordered today that all persons entering the country from Africa or who have been in the African continent in the last 14 days before their arrival in Argentina must undergo compulsory isolation due to the warnings issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the new Omicron variant, initially detected in South Africa, through Administrative Declaration 1163/2021 of the Chief of Staff, published in the Official Gazette.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER FROM AFRICA

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The government also established a series of requirements for people entering Africa, such as having two vaccines applied (complete vaccination schedule) 14 days before their arrival and showing a negative PCR performed in the land of origin 72 hours before arrival.

In addition, at the time of entry, those coming from those destinations will have to undergo an antigen test, while foreigners not residing in the country will be required to have “Covid-19 health insurance, with coverage of hospitalization services”.

Within ten days from the date of the PCR test performed in the country of origin, persons who have arrived from Africa or have been in an African country in the 14 days before their arrival in Argentina will have to undergo a PCR test “the result of which must be negative, as a condition for the completion of the compulsory isolation.”

The Administrative Decision bears the signatures of the Chief of Cabinet Juan Manzur, the Minister of the Interior, Eduardo “Wado” De Pedro, and the Minister of Health, Carla Vizzotti.

DETAILS OF REQUIREMENTS FOR ARRIVING PASSENGERS

To inform, in their Affidavit, if they come from or if they were, in the last 14 days before they entered into the country, in the affected areas defined by the national health authority.

To have completed the vaccination schedule at least fourteen (14) days before entering the country. The persons shall state this fact in the Affidavit required by the National Direction of Migration, decentralized agency acting within the orbit of the Secretariat of Internal Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

To have a negative PCR test performed in the country of origin within seventy-two (72) hours before entering the country.

To undergo an antigen test upon arrival to the country.

To undergo the quarantine foreseen in article 7, paragraph d) of Decree N° 260/20 and its modifying and complementary regulations, and to take a PCR test on the tenth day after the PCR test sample was taken at origin, the result of which must be harmful, as a condition for the completion of the compulsory isolation.

Non-resident foreigners must add to the requirements mentioned above the obligation to have complete Covid-19 health insurance, with coverage of hospitalization services, isolation, and sanitary transfers, for those who are positive cases, suspects, or close contacts.