Coronavirus: government analyzes new restrictions to discourage overseas travel

Government is considering new restrictions to discourage overseas travel in light of rising infections by coronavirus. Among the options they are considering, the possibility of charge passengers for the cost of the PCR test and accommodation for the mandatory quarantine.

This was part of the conclusions reached by the Chief of Staff, Santiago Cafiero, and the Minister of Health, Carla Vizzotti, at the meeting they had today at noon. Thus, the national government will copy the model established in Canada by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The government is increasingly concerned about the speed of infections and the spread of new strains around the world. As confirmed by official sources, Casa Rosada will resolve the “implementation of additional control measures” in the coming hours.

Today the borders are closed to foreigners. And since December, only Argentinian residents and citizens can enter the country; The requirements to return to Argentina are a negative PCR test up to 72 hours before shipment and the signing of an affidavit with the commitment to comply with 10 days of quarantine. In addition, Argentines who travel abroad “take responsibility for any change in regulations at border crossing points, and they will not ask to be repatriated or hold the State responsible for their situation. ‘foreign”.

At Cafiero and Vizzotti’s meeting, they assessed cases from other countries, including Canada, Spain and the UK. In the North American country, people have to go through compulsory isolation for 14 days, even if they don’t have symptoms. In addition, they must pay all expenses. They must also present a PCR. In Spain, during this time, all travelers must undergo a general health check at the first port or airport they arrive. In addition to a negative test.

In the UK, likewise, arrivals are required to provide their contact details and travel details, as well as submit a negative COVID-19 test before traveling. In addition, they must quarantine themselves.

New strains of coronavirus and Brazil’s state of health have raised alarms at Casa Rosada. Although it will not close the borders, the national government seeks to discourage the entry and exit of locals. The fear of a possible second wave of infections is present at every meeting at Balcarce 50.

The deliberative state has been in place for days and includes all of the country’s health ministers. Does the possibility of going forward with higher requirements, add to several measures that have been taken in recent days, such as the extension of social, preventive and compulsory distancing and the extension of the health crisis until the end of the year.

In addition, President ordered the reduction of flights to and from Brazil, The United States, the European Union and at least six countries. In the case of Brazil, controls will be tightened, particularly in view of the concern about the manaus strain which has generated an unprecedented rebound in the contagion and death curve.

Despite the limitations, between December and February, 291,687 passengers left the country via Ezeiza, San Fernando and by ferry and 267,513 entered the country. The aim is to reduce the number to the “strict minimum”, official sources explained.

For two days they are Vizzotti; the National Directorate of Migration, which directs Florence Carignano; and the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC), which has the power to determine the schedule and the maximum number of passengers that can enter the country from these destinations.