The National Service of Health and Agri-Food Quality (Senasa) joined the preventive measures established by the Ministry of Health of the Nation to prevent the entry of the coronavirus into Argentina.
The measure is in line with the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) given that China has reported the detection of laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease, which has also been present in other countries.
During a meeting, Senasa agents, together with peers from other border control agencies, were notified of actions aimed at strengthening surveillance – to act quickly in the event of suspected cases – arranged by the Ministry of Health of the Nation, who monitors epidemiological information.
In this regard, the guidelines to be followed and the application of emergency protocols were explained (Identification, isolation and referral) in suspected and probable cases, considering the intervention of cabin crew, border health and local emergency authorities.
Senasa is present in the sanitary control of 93 entry points to the country. For this emergency situation, airports with a record of international arrivals such as “Ministro Pistarini” become more relevant. (located in Ezeiza, province of Buenos Aires), due to its importance as a main receiver of intercontinental flights. Also, 13 other airports with arrivals of regular international and regional flights.
At the borders, Senasa agents verify that passengers do not bring in live animals without their corresponding health documentation, nor agricultural foods that pose a risk to national production and public health.
"We recommend that our agency's agents implement various security measures for flights or ships coming from China, such as the use of latex gloves, face masks, alcohol gel and frequent hand hygiene.", explained Matías Pantano, in charge of the Hygiene and Safety Coordination of Senasa.
The Ministry of Health of the Nation issued an epidemiological alert, which is a technical document, and also included Recommendations for travelers, between them:
- When travelling to China, avoid closed spaces, especially those with animals, and the consumption of raw foods of animal origin (milk, meat and offal).
- People entering the country who develop symptoms such as fever with runny or runny nose, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing and who have traveled to China or have had contact with people diagnosed with 2019-nCoV infection should go to the nearest health center to be properly evaluated.
- International organizations do not report any restrictions on travel or trade with China.
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