Argentina returns to strict COVID-19 lockdown

Argentina's President Alberto Fernández on Thursday announced a strict countrywide lockdown for the first time this year. The announcement came after more than 35,000 coronavirus infections were reported in Argentina for the third consecutive day and the death toll skyrocketed. The measures will last from Saturday until May 31, and will limit circulation, as well as suspending social, business, educational, religious and sporting activities.

At the start of the pandemic in 2020, On Tuesday, the South American country exceeded its daily record of COVID-19 infections and deaths with 35,543 new cases and 745 deaths. Argentina's president said there will be economic aid for the sectors affected by the new restrictions and confirmed that in the next few days more than 4 million Sputnik V and AstraZeneca vaccines will arrive.