Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Argentina rises to 56

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Argentina has risen to 56, health officials said Monday.

To date, two have died after contracting Covid-19. 

All cases, at the time of writing, involved individuals who had recently returned from overseas or had come into close contact with those who are confirmed to have the virus.

The new cases include the first two infections registered in Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina's southernmost, officials revealed, saying that cases had also been registered in Buenos Aires City, Buenos Aires Province and Chaco Province.

According to the latest report from the Health Ministry, "of the 11 cases, eight correspond to cases with a history of travel to a risk area, while the remaining three are close contacts of confirmed cases."

"To date, in Argentina the majority of cases are imported. Local transmission is detected among close contacts, without evidence of community transmission," the portfolio said in a statement.

The Health Ministry, led by Ginés González García indicated that the country "continues in the containment phase to detect suspected cases early, ensure their
isolation, provide adequate patient care and implement research, prevention and control measures aimed at reducing the risk of infection spread in the population."

– TIMES/NA