On April 16, Decree No. 241/2021 (the Decree) was published in the Official Gazette ordering amendments to Presidential Decree No. 235/21, which had imposed restrictions on movement and suspended certain activities to stop the spread of the SARS-Cov-2 Virus, from April 9 to April 30, 2021.
The Decree includes the following changes, which will be in effect until April 30:
- Persons at higher risk of infection (over the age of 60, pregnant women, persons included in so-called risk groups), continue to be exempted from the duty to attend the workplace in person. If they do not work from home, they will receive a non-remunerative compensation equivalent to their usual remuneration, net of contributions to the Social Security System.
- The following activities are suspended in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (known locally as AMBA): (i) shopping centers and shopping malls; (ii) sports, recreational, social, cultural, and religious activities held in closed spaces; (iii) shops and stores between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day (except those considered essential); (iv) food & beverage outlets, between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day, except for home delivery and takeout from nearby outlets. In addition, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., food establishments may only serve their customers in outdoor spaces.
- The use of public transportation will be restricted for essential workers (defined locally as “individuals engaged in an essential activity”) and individuals undergoing medical treatment and their caretakers, as well as staff and students attending in-person classes and those required to receive vaccinations.
- Movement is prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires.
The Decree became effective on April 16.