RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Argentine government announced a relaxation of the Covid-19 pandemic restriction measures in force until Tuesday, as a result of the decrease in the number of cases and the progress of its vaccination plan.
The “gradual and cautious” reopening of Argentina’s borders, under the responsibility of each province bordering other countries, is one of the main points of the announcement made Tuesday by the Chief of Cabinet Juan Manzur -in his first public appearance – and Minister of Health Carla Vizzotti.
The dates for implementation will be determined by each local authority; border crossings are authorized to reopen from October 1 in coordination with the Directorate of Migration and airports with ANAC.
BORDER SCHEDULE
September 24: elimination of isolation for Argentines, residents and foreigners coming for work and authorized by the immigration authority.
October 1: entry authorized for foreigners from neighboring countries without isolation. Opening of land borders at the request of governors (with safe corridors approved by the health authority with a quota defined by the capacity of each jurisdiction).
Between October 1 and November 1: the progressive increase of the entry quota in all safe corridors, airports, ports and land border crossings.
From November 1: all foreigners will be authorized to enter the country.
The following will be required to enter the country:
- Complete vaccination schedule, with date of last administration at least 14 days prior to arrival in the country;
- Negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to boarding, or antigen at the point of entry until defined by the health authority;
- PCR test at day 5 to 7 of arrival until defined by the health authority;
- People with an incomplete vaccination schedule, including minors, must undergo quarantine, antigen test at entry, and PCR test on day 7.
When 50% of the fully vaccinated population is reached:
- antigen test at entry (except for unvaccinated people) and PCR test at day 5-7 will be eliminated. This will minimize any increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths.
These are the measures of the new normality determined by the Argentine government, according to the Tiempo Misionero website:
- The compulsory use of masks outdoors is lifted when circulating individually, and in all cases when there are NO crowds;
- Masks remains mandatory in closed places (classrooms, movie theaters, theaters, workplaces, public transportation, shows and mass events) and outdoors when there are crowds;
- Social gatherings with unlimited number of people, complying with prevention measures, masks, distance and ventilation;
- 100% capacity in economic, industrial, commercial, service, religious, cultural, sports, recreational and social activities in enclosed places, complying with prevention measures, masks, distance and ventilation;
- Authorization of trips for pensioners, graduates and students or alike, following the recommended protocols;
- Authorization of nightclubs at 50% capacity, for people with a complete vaccination schedule (14 days prior to the event). This is the highest risk activity, considering the Delta variant;
- Party halls, ballrooms or similar activities: authorized for people with a complete vaccination schedule (14 days prior to the event) or one dose plus a negative diagnostic test (PCR or antigen) within 48 hours prior to the event;
- Special protocol for 15th birthday parties or for children under 17 years of age while vaccination of adolescents is in progress;
- Large events with over 1,000 people: From October 1, 50% capacity will be authorized, and the specific protocol will be prepared with the actors involved according to requirements.
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