In Argentina, the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic hits with full force: not only do the daily average of new infections remain around 25 thousand , but also the number of deaths is beginning to rise and the occupancy of intensive care beds is not decreasing.

According to national government sources, the question is whether to move forward with further and tougher curbs now or wait a few days to assess the impact of the latest set of restrictions. Neither federal authorities nor the city of Buenos Aires' government rule out a total lockdown (phase 1) to avert a collapse of the health system.

Health sector sources revealed that over the past few days private clinics in the city of Buenos Aires had run out of space in their Intensive Care Units. Some had 95 per cent occupancy. This Monday, meanwhile, the government of the province of Buenos Aires also said that the situation is critical.

The Buenos Aires metropolitan area is the most affected in the country. It is home to some 18 million people.