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Argentina's Banks To Shut Friday As Swine Flu Measure -Report

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Argentina's private-sector banks will shut down Friday as part of a nationwide effort to contain the spread of the A/H1N1 swine flu, local press reported Friday.

The banks' decision coincides with Friday's special holiday for all government workers, which was declared by the Interior Ministry on Tuesday.

Friday's holiday rolls on from Thursday's Independence Day holiday, and authorities believe people will use the long weekend as an excuse to stay home and therefore help slow the spread of the virus.

The Argentine Health Ministry on Sunday reported that the official death toll in Argentina from swine flu has reached 60, and there are a total of 2,485 officially confirmed cases.

However, many believe the official numbers lag the actual rate of infection, and that the real numbers are much higher.

The Argentine Banking Association wasn't immediately able to confirm the reports.

-By Matthew Cowley, Dow Jones Newswires; +54 11 4103 6740; matthew.cowley@ dowjones.com

  (END) Dow Jones Newswires
  07-08-091023ET
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