In Antarctica, ice station hit by COVID-19 outbreak; more than half of crew tests positive

As COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across world, more than half of scientists at a remote research station in Antarctica have been infected with dely virus and have been sent to isolation, as per a BBC report. Belgian scientific research crew, Princess Elisabeth Polar Station, has reported that since December 14 last year, at least 16 of 25-member crew have been infected by virus. Authorities said that all staff members at facility have been vaccinated and for now, COVID positive cases are showing mild symptoms. 

" situation isn't dramatic," Joseph Cheek, a project manager for International Polar Foundation, told BBC., ding that “while it has been an inconvenience to have to quarantine certain members of staff who caught virus, it hasn't significantly affected our work at station overall.”

"All residents of station were offered opportunity to leave on a scheduled flight on 12 January. However, y all expressed ir wish to stay and continue ir work," he ded.

COVID testing, vaccination mandated for staff arriving at ice station

None of those infected has reported any serious illness and nobody has yet asked to be evacuated from isolated ice station. first positive test was recorded on December 14, amongst a team member who h arrived seven days earlier. Now, staff arriving at ice station are asked to get vaccinated beforehand and tested for COVID-19. 

As per BBC report,  re are two emergency doctors at station and new arrivals to outpost have been suspended until dely virus dissipates. It is pertinent to mention that Princess Elisabeth station is operated by International Polar Foundation and has Belgian scientists. It went into service in 2009.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 infections recorded at station, which is one of most remote locations in world, has raised alarm amongst crew. However, this isn’t first time research stations in Antarctica have been affected by a coronavirus outbreak. Earlier in 2021, a number of Chilean military personnel based out of Bernardo O'Higgins research station were infected with COVID-19 after sailors on a supply ship tested positive for virus.

(Image: Twitter/Pixabay)