Virus death toll rises by 10 to 79; more than 1,800 confirmed cases

The Health Ministry confirmed Thursday night that Argentina had recorded its highest daily number of fatalities of the coronavirus pandemic so far, with 10 deaths registered over the last 24 hours.

Deaths were recorded by healthcare professionals and provincial officials in Buenos Aires City and the provinces of Buenos Aires, Chaco and Santa Fe. The total number of fatalities accredited to the virus is now 79.

In their daily update to the press, officials also said that 99 new confirmed cases had been registered across the country, lifting the cumulative tally to 1,894.

A statement from the Health Ministry said that of the 10 fatalities, three were female and seven were male. 

Two of the women, one aged 47 and one aged 73, died in Buenos Aires City, while a 61-year-old residing in Buenos Aires Province also lost her life. 

Of the seven male fatalities, five were from Buenos Aires Province (ages 40, 60, 78, 81, 83), with one from Chaco (aged 70) and another in Santa Fe (64 years of age).

The highest numbers of confirmed infections remain in Greater Buenos Aires, with the Province registered 28 new cases yesterday and the City registering 23. Río Negro registered 13, while Neuquén recorded seven fresh diagnoses.

Officials said that 41 percent of cases were "imported" by individuals who travelled overseas, with 34 percent a result of individuals coming into close contact with those confirmed as having had the virus.

Only three provinces in Argentina – Catamarca, Formosa and Chubut – are yet to register a confirmed case of Covid-19.

The Health Ministry said it would not issue a daily update on the numbers this Friday, given it is a national holiday.

– TIMES