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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Millions of Argentines stayed home from work, churches in Bolivia canceled Mass and Ecuador announced its first fatalities from swine flu Friday, as the virus continues its spread during the South American winter season.
Businesses including banks, exchange houses, courts and even the stock exchange were shuttered for 24 hours across Argentina. Combined with Thursday’s Independence Day holiday, Argentines effectively got a four-day weekend.
The goal was to “avoid public gatherings,” provincial Health Minister Claudio Zin said, and lessen the spread of the virus blamed for 86 deaths so far in the country.
