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Antarctica has so far been the only continent not affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, there were reports of the first cases of illnesses. On December 21, the media reported an outbreak at the research base.
Antarctica the only continent free from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic? This is probably in the past. Information has emerged that at the research station of General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme (one of the 13 Chilean bases on the continent), COVID-19 has been identified, and that in 36 people – 26 members of the Chilean army and 10 maintenance workers. The sick were evacuated to the city of Punta Arenas in Chile and placed in isolation. According to reports, they are in good condition.
According to Newsweek, in connection with the situation, the Chilean military issued a statement confirming the disease. It was also reported that three crew members of the vessel supporting the base also tested positive after returning from the Antarctic mission.
The Guardian points out that trying to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Antarctica comes at a price. All major research projects on the continent have been put on hold. As a result, research by scientists around the world was stopped.
Although the continent has no permanent inhabitants, there were, among others, about a thousand scientists (according to the Associated Press).
In March, as the coronavirus spread more and more, researchers running Antarctic programs agreed that a pandemic in Antarctica could spell disaster. “A highly contagious new virus with significant mortality and morbidity in the extreme and harsh environment of Antarctica, a place with limited medical care and limited ability to respond to public health, carries high risks with potentially catastrophic consequences,” wrote the Associated Press.
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