BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Argentines are being urged to test and trace as a way to "minimize the possibility of having a second wave of infections" of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Health Ministry's Secretary of Access to Health Carla Vizzotti said on Friday.

"If we have symptoms, it is necessary to consult (a professional) immediately," Vizzotti said in a statement.

However, "it is important to share again that the testing strategy is a relevant part, but it is not the only part of managing pandemic cases," she added.

Those testing positive also need to notify their closest contacts, so they can in turn get tested, she said.

"When a case is detected, it is very important that that person receive care, isolate and identify close contacts well, and if any of them have symptoms, to follow that chain to be able to interrupt and minimize the transmission of the virus," Vizzotti said.

The South American country registered its first case of COVID-19 on March 3 and as of Thursday confirmed an accumulated 1,447,732 cases of infection and 39,305 deaths from the disease.