There were 1,002,662 confirmed cases of the virus in the South American country by Monday night, health ministry officials said.

In the previous 24 hours, there were 12,982 new cases reported and 451 deaths.

The latest figures put it alongside the United States, India, Brazil and Russia, all with populations greatly exceeding Argentina's 45 million people.

Argentina is also grappling with low levels of testing. But for those getting tested, more than 60 per cent of recent tests are coming back positive, one of the world's highest positivity rates.

The explosion in cases has strained hospitals and healthcare works, with intensive care unit beds in the country more than 64 per cent occupied.

In some provinces, healthcare systems are on the brink of becoming overwhelmed.

"I would like this to end now. I cannot continue at this pace," said Cynthia Jimenez, a resident intensive care doctor at Hospital Posadas in Buenos Aires province, the country's hardest hit area.

"It tires you to see people who come ill with respiratory failure and you have to save them," she added.

"And you know that if you intubate them, it will end badly for many. That hurts."

Argentina imposed strict quarantine measures on March 20, shortly after the country's first COVID-19 case was confirmed, which initially helped slow the virus' spread.

The government has since eased restrictions in many parts of the country to help revive economic growth, leading to a rise in infections.

More than 26,000 people have died, for a fatality rate of about 2.7 per cent.

Argentina's borders remain closed to tourists, though domestic flights have resumed for people with approval to travel for medical, family or work reasons.

Australian Associated Press