Lockdown is eased to mandatory social distancing in some parts of Argentina but extended in others

On November 7, Presidential Order No. 875/2020 (the Order) was published in the Official Gazette easing down the lockdown to mandatory social distancing (known locally as “Social, Preventive and Mandatory Distancing” or DISPO) in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Region (AMBA) and in 13 provinces, while also extending the lockdown (known locally as “Social, Preventive and Mandatory Isolation” or ASPO) in the remaining areas of the country from November 9 to November 29, 2020. As per the Order:

• Social distancing means that people can circulate within their city of residence, in addition to working and carrying out their activities, provided they keep a two-meter distance (~6 feet) from each other and follow certain protocols. In the areas subject to Social Distancing, the Governors and the Head of Government of the City of Buenos Aires may require individuals entering their jurisdiction from other areas to isolate themselves for up to 14 days, except when those individuals are essential workers and traveling in their capacity as such. In the Metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Social Distancing will be in force as of November 9, 2020. The following is prohibited under the Social Distancing order: (i) cultural, recreational or religious events in public or private spaces with more than 10 attendees; (ii) social or family gatherings in closed spaces and at private residences, regardless of the number of participants, except when all participants live together already; (iii) practicing sports in closed places with more than 10 people or any sports activities in which keeping the minimum 2-meter distance between participants is impossible. In the AMBA region, sports may not be practiced in closed spaces, regardless of the number of participants; (iv) cinemas, theaters, clubs and cultural centers must remain closed; (v) public interurban, interjurisdictional and international passenger transportation services are restricted, except in authorized cases as described below.

• Lockdown means that people must remain in their homes and avoid going outside, unless they are essential workers or otherwise exempted from isolation, in which case they must have a permit to circulate.

• Public transportation: Only the following people may use the public transportation system throughout the country (i) essential workers, (ii) individuals who need to receive medical treatment, (iii) caregivers of individuals who need to receive medical treatment, (iv) staff and students attending in-person classes.

• Circulation ban: People who have tested positive for COVID-19 and/or those suspected to have COVID-19 will not be allowed to circulate throughout the country.

• Individuals exempted from attending the workplace in person: Persons over the age of 60, pregnant women, people in so-called risk groups, and essential caretakers of children or adolescents. Employees over the age of 60, pregnant women and people in so-called risk groups who do not work from their homes will receive a non-remunerative compensation equivalent to their usual salary, net of Social Security contributions.

• Amendment to Section 4 of Presidential Order No. 367/20: The Order includes the amendment of Section 4 of Presidential Order No. 367 on the presumption of occupational diseases, adding members of federal and provincial police forces who are in effective service to the prior presumption of health personnel. Likewise, with respect to these and similar groups, the Central Medical Commission must note in its interpretations that COVID-19 has a direct and immediate causal link to the work performed, unless there is evidence to the contrary.

• Borders: Under the order, borders remain closed, but international border crossings that were recently authorized by the National Migration Office continue in force.