Argentina has become the fifth country with more than 1 million coronavirus cases, its Health Ministry, and a Reuters tally confirmed on Monday, making it the smallest nation by far to reach the grim milestone after infections accelerated in recent weeks.
There were 1,002,662 confirmed cases of the virus in the South American country by Monday night, the ministry said. In the past 24 hours, there were 12,982 new cases reported and 451 deaths, it said.
According to an NYK Daily tally here, the latest figures put it alongside the United States, India, Brazil, and Russia, all with populations greatly exceeding Argentina’s 45 million people.
Argentina is also grappling with low levels of testing. But for those getting tested, more than 60% of recent tests are coming back positive, one of the world’s highest positivity rates.
The explosion in cases has strained hospitals and healthcare works, with more than 64% occupied with intensive care unit beds. In some provinces, healthcare systems are on the brink of becoming overwhelmed.
“I would like this to end now. I cannot continue at this pace,” said Cynthia Jiménez, a resident intensive care doctor at Hospital Posadas in Buenos Aires province, the country’s hardest-hit area.
“It tires you to see people who come ill with respiratory failure, and you have to save them,” she added. “And you know that if you intubate them, it will end badly for many. That hurts.”
Argentina imposed strict quarantine measures on March 20, shortly after its first COVID-19 case was confirmed, which initially helped slow the virus’ spread.
The government has since eased restrictions in many parts of the country to help revive economic growth, leading to a rise in infections. According to Health Ministry data, more than 26,000 people have died for a COVID-19 fatality rate of about 2.7%.
Argentina’s borders remain closed to tourism, though domestic flights have resumed for people with government approval to travel for medical, family, or work reasons.
