Argentina extends COVID-19 social distancing measures to March 12

BUENOS AIRES -- The Argentine government on Sunday ordered that the Social, Preventive and Mandatory Distancing measures, in place to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be extended until March 12.

The measures were adopted through a government decree signed by the president of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, and the cabinet of ministers.

The measures state that "people must maintain a minimum distance of two meters, use face masks in shared spaces, and assiduously sanitize their hands."

In addition, residents must "cough into the crease of the elbow, disinfect surfaces, ventilate rooms and strictly comply with the protocols of activities and the recommendations and instructions of authorities," according to the decree.

The measures also state that face-to-face classes and face-to-face non-school educational activities may resume according to the situation in each district.

However, "cultural, social, recreational, religious, or family events and activities in general of more than 20 people in closed spaces and in private outdoor spaces" as well as "cultural, social, recreational, or religious events in public spaces in the open air with the attendance of more than 100 people" remain prohibited.

To date, Argentina has registered 2,104,197 cases and 51,946 deaths from COVID-19.