As darkly humorous comments on eyewitness videos show, following a televised countdown, Argentinians were warned that the quarantine had officially begun with the spine-tingling wail of sirens. 

Many couldn’t resist evoking the gory, post-apocalyptic film franchise with comments such as “The Purge 5 : 'City of Salta'” and “The Purge begins.” Others remarked how terrifying the whole situation was.

“How apocalyptic is that!” wrote one user. “I thought I was the only one,” added another. 

Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez ordered a complete lockdown until at least March 31. Residents may only leave their homes to purchase food and medicine. 

Parts of Argentina celebrated the tough decision to declare a nationwide quarantine, in much the same way that other nations have shown their appreciation for frontline medical workers and civil servants.