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Argentina Reacted Early And Kept The Coronavirus Largely Contained
May 12, 202012:13 PM ET
Argentina is loosening the strict lockdown that helped secure one of the lowest death tolls from COVID-19 in South America.
Restrictions imposed more than seven weeks ago will remain in effect in and around the capital, Buenos Aires. The nation's borders and schools will stay closed, and public gatherings will still be banned. But Monday, the administration of President Alberto Fernández began allowing provincial mayors and governors to open up businesses and restore free movement if coronavirus case numbers remain low.
Argentina's success at containing the virus — it has recorded 6,278 cases and 317 deaths — is earning rare plaudits for a country better known for bare-knuckle politics and one of the world's highest inflation rates.
President Fernández, a former Cabinet chief, took office in December amid predictions he would be outshone by his better-known vice president, former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (no relation). However, a poll this month by Circuitos found 70.6% approval for the government's handling of the health crisis.
More:
https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/05/12/853837925/argentina-reacted-early-and-kept-the-coronavirus-largely-contained