As of December 20, Antarctica remains the only continent in the world that has not been affected by Covid-19, the last stronghold that has not yet been attacked by the pandemic. But that stronghold finally collapsed. According to The Guardian, on December 21, there were 36 cases of infection at a Chilean research facility in Antarctica, of which 26 are military members, and 10 maintenance staff.
Specifically, the outbreak appeared at the General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme research station. “Thanks to timely action, rescuing Covid-19 positive staff through PCR tests was performed,” – quoted in the Chilean military report on Newsweek. In addition, the three members of the basic supply team were positive for Covid-19 after returning from Antarctica.
All 36 patients were rescued and returned to the city of Punta Arenas. They were immediately quarantined, and in good condition.
It is known that General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme is 1 of 13 Chilean bases in Antarctica. Stopping viruses on the continent also comes at a high price: the entire major research project is cut. Consequently, the research of scientists around the world is seriously affected.
Antarctica is actually an uninhabited continent, but about 1,000 researchers and many people come here in winter. In March, when many countries around the world entered the blockade because of Covid-19, research programs in Antarctica found that a pandemic could create a catastrophe. With extremely strong winds and the coldest temperature, it will be very dangerous for people working here.
“A new virus that is highly infectious, plus high mortality and morbidity in the harsh Antarctic environment, and a lack of medical resources would pose a serious catastrophe.”