Argentina requires health pass starting Jan. 1

By Bala Chambers

LONDON (AA) - Argentina has announced that a health pass will be mandatory throughout the country in order for citizens to carry out different activities.

The measure will come into effect across most of Argentina starting Jan. 1 while in the capital, Buenos Aires, it will be introduced earlier from Dec. 21.

Citizens aged 13 and over in Argentina will be required to carry a health pass as proof of full vaccination status against coronavirus in order to undertake activities deemed "high epidemiological and sanitary risk”.

These activities include attending indoor venues like dance venues and large events with more over 1,000 people, regardless of whether they are outside, according to authorities.

The decision was taken after officials reached consensus about the necessary steps to combat the spread of COVID-19 and to protect citizens.

The health pass was signed into effect by the Cabinet Chief Juan Manzur and published on Monday morning in the Official Gazette.

When the measure takes effect, citizens will have to produce digital proof of vaccination via the “CuidAr” app for digital devices like smartphones.

Authorities said would it be operational by the time the measure comes into effect.

The app also contains a self-diagnosis system which will block citizens using it in the event that they show any type of symptom compatible with COVID-19 and they will not be able to access the digital pass until this condition has changed.

CuidAr can be downloaded for free in the Android and iOS application stores.

Citizens must have completed their vaccination program at least 14 days, before being permitted to attend activities or events.

Those citizens unable to access the digital app will be able to request a physical document as proof.

Regional authorities will be allowed to use the vaccination documents for other activities, depending on the epidemiological situation at the time.

Argentina, with a population of over 45 million, has registered more than 5.35 million coronavirus cases and 116,771 deaths, according to Health Ministry data.