While Argentina is under social distancing orders, the Argentine Executive may still issue lockdown measures in any jurisdiction

On December 21, Presidential Decree No. 1033/2020 (the Decree) was published in the Official Gazette ordering social distancing measures (known locally as “Social, Preventive and Mandatory Distancing” or DISPO) for the entire country from December 21, 2020 until January 31, 2021. The measure also extends the lockdown order (known locally as “Social, Preventive and Mandatory Isolation” or ASPO) until January 31, 2021 as follows:

• The social distancing order will be in force throughout the country from December 21, 2020 until January 31, 2021. People will be able to circulate within the city where they live, work and carry out their activities, provided they keep a 2-meter (6-foot) distance from each other and follow established protocols.

• The National Executive may order lockdown measures in any jurisdiction. ASPO or lockdown means that people must avoid leaving their homes, unless they are carrying out an essential activity or an activity exempted from isolation, in which case they must have a circulation permit.

• Public transportation: The use of public transportation throughout the country is authorized only for: (i) essential workers (defined locally as “persons engaged in an essential activity”), (ii) individuals undergoing medical treatment, (iii) their caretakers, (iv) staff and students attending in-person classes.

• Circulation ban: People with confirmed COVID-19 results and/or those suspected of having COVID-19 will not be allowed to circulate throughout the country.

• Individuals exempted from attending the workplace: The Decree upholds the Ministry of Labor’s resolutions exempting certain people from attending the workplace, until otherwise resolved by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Health acting jointly. People over the age of 60, pregnant women, those in so-called risk groups, and people who must remain home to care for children and teenagers continue to be exempted from their duty of attending the workplace in person. Employees over the age of 60, pregnant women and those included in so-called risk groups who do not work from their residence will receive a non-remunerative compensation equivalent to their usual wage, net of contributions to the Social Security System.