Argentina exceeds 3 million total coronavirus cases

Argentina has become the second Latin American country to surpass 3 million total confirmed Covid-19 cases — the country has also recorded over 64,000 deaths, according to authorities in Buenos Aires. 

After enacting the world’s longest lockdown — lasting roughly seven months — Argentina is amid the worst period of the pandemic, with new confirmed cases topping 20,000 per day for the first time ever. With the surge of new variants, most of Latin America is in a similar situation, facing a brutal wave of infections.

The rising numbers led President Alberto Fernández to extend a mandatory curfew until at least May 21, banning people from leaving home between 8 pm and 6 am, with the exception of essential workers. He even considered banning the return of in-person classes in schools. However, after multiple pot-banging protests and legal disputes, classes were resumed.

In the meantime, vaccination is not progressing at a desirable pace. Having administered more than 8 million doses, only 2.2 percent of Argentina’s 45 million inhabitants are fully vaccinated.

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