Argentina President Alberto Fernandez has called for unity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the country's Independence Day.

Fernandez's statement was pointed out to "serial haters." The July 9 celebration is usually held in Tucuman, where independence was declared on July 9, 1816. 

But this year, it was celebrated with a remote session from the Olivos presidential residence at the capital. All provincial governors with different political stripes joined the program.

Fernandez used the event to ask leaders to put aside their difference to fight COVID-19.

"No society realizes its destiny amid [a climate of] insults and divisions and hatred as a common denominator. I came here to end with the serial haters and open our arms so that we all unite in search of a common destiny," Fernandez was quoted in Buenos Aires Times.

Fernadez said he celebrates the diversity of all kinds, may it be gender and beliefs. He said this diversity should be carried with responsibility.

"The first responsibility is not to lie, to tell the truth, and respect us," he was quoted in a report.

COVID-19 in Argentina

Argentina's COVID-19 cases total to 90,680 with 1,720 deaths, and 38,300 recoveries. Positive cases and deaths continue to rise even with the partial quarantine in place since March 20.

Many are trying to make ends meet after losing their job since the lockdown applied in mid-March. The extended lockdown is implemented until July 17.

The pandemic also hit the country's economy. Experts said there might be a 12-percent economic decrease for 2020.

A United Nations data showed that this could lead millions into poverty. This could result in almost six out of every ten minors below the poverty line. "The pandemic is causing an increase in poverty," said Argentina UN Coordinator Roberto Valento.

He predicted that 58.6 percent of children and adolescents would be in poverty by the end of the year. This is an increase from late 2019's 53-percent.

"We already have a level of growth in poverty that goes far beyond what Argentina could have foreseen even in its worst nightmares," Valent was quoted.

He said up to 850,000 jobs could be lost this year because of the pandemic.

Argentinian baker Antonio Chenarce said he is trying to make ends meet after losing his job because of the pandemic.

"If I don't work, it's all screwed up. Food is expensive. Hunger doesn't wait for you," Chenarce was quoted in a report.

Measures on Fight vs. COVID-19

A bishop and priests are serving around the slums of Argentina called for a response from health authorities. He said people are turning to parishes due to "inadequate" health responses.

"We are entering the most critical moment of the pandemic, and our parishes are accompanying their communities with many different actions," Bishop Eduardo Garcia was quoted in a June 29 statement.

Garcia said that they do not want to replace the state and said they could cooperate.

People cured of the disease in Argentina have donated plasma as part of national clinical trial treatments for patients infected with COVID-19.

A person has to be well for at least 14 days and test negative twice for coronavirus to donate plasma.

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