Argentina will go into total lockdown for nine days as it grapples with the worst phase yet of the Covid-19 pandemic, President Alberto Fernandez said.

“We must accept that we are in a critical moment,” Fernandez said as Argentina recorded 35,000 new cases in one day. The pandemic has claimed nearly 73,000 lives in the South American giant. “We must come together to overcome this catastrophe,” the president added.

Only businesses deemed essential will remain open under the lockdown, which starts on Saturday. In-person classes will be suspended, as will social, religious and sporting events, AFP reports.