Argentina’s government is significantly lifting travel and social restrictions from the pandemic as it seeks to boost the economy and recover voter support ahead of midterm elections in November.

Foreigners will be allowed to enter the country starting Nov. 1 without quarantine, as long as they comply with protocols. Facemasks are no longer required for individuals who are alone in open-air settings, and social gatherings have no restrictions. Offices and stores can go back to 100% capacity with facemasks indoors, and nightclubs can bring capacity up to 50%.

Argentina would allow all international visitors enter who have been fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR-RT test.

The vaccination in all cases must have been completed at a minimum of 14 days before arrival. If the visitor doesn’t have a negative PCR-RT test result, they need to undergo a rapid antigen test at the airport. All visitors would be required to have a PCR-RT test between days 5 and 7 in the country.

Argentina would also allow those to enter who refuse to prove their vaccination status or have not been fully vaccinated, including children. They, however, need to self-isolate for a week and go through PCR-RT at the end.

 

Authorities also announced that when 50% of the country is fully vaccinated, the antigen test will no longer be required, apart from those entering who are unvaccinated.

They said face-coverings will no longer be mandatory outdoors and there will be no limits on the number of attendees at social gatherings. And 100% capacity will be allowed at a range of economic, religious, cultural, and social activities.

Participators for indoor activities must adhere to social distancing rules, face-coverings, and ventilation measures.

Soccer fans will be able to return to stadiums which will run at 50% capacity beginning Oct. 1. Fans will be able to attend the famous Superclasico between River Plate and Boca Juniors on Oct. 3.

Nightclubs will also be permitted to operate at 50% capacity.

Vizzotti also noted that 43.7% of the population have received two vaccines doses of the COVID-19 vaccine while 63.4% have received at least one dose.​​​​​​​

 

Source: Bloomberg / Anadolu Agency / Reuters