BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's government on Friday announced it has empowered the governors of the country's 24 provinces to restrict movement given the rise in cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Those who must take the steps to mitigate the spread of the disease "are the provincial and local authorities," who can "take measures that restrict circulation and nighttime activities," the chief of the cabinet of ministers, Santiago Cafiero, said at a press conference.

Cafiero was accompanied by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Matias Lammens and the Secretary of Access to Health Carla Vizzotti.

According to state news agency Telam, a presidential decree will define the parameters of risk that provincial authorities must take into account to curb circulation.

One parameter will be when the number of confirmed cases in the last 14 days goes above 150 per 100,000 inhabitants.

"The government defines the parameters and issues the advisories. Those who must make the decisions are the governors," Cafiero said.

Argentina reported 13,835 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, the highest daily number of infections in about two months, amid concerns that social gatherings and clandestine parties, mainly organized by young people during the current austral summer vacation period, are fueling outbreaks.

The South American country registered its first case of COVID-19 on March 3, and confirmed 1,690,006 cases and 44,122 deaths from the disease as of Thursday. Enditem

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