Antarctica Has Reported
Its First Cases of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has finally reached Antarctica.
It was previously the only continent to remain
unscathed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
36 people at a Chilean research base in
Antarctica tested positive for the virus. .
In their statement, the Chilean army said
they were able to take “timely preventive
action” and transport the infected to safety. .
They were evacuated to Punta Arenas, Chile, where they
have been isolated and are currently in good condition.
When the world first locked down in March,
all major research projects in the Antarctic were halted,
due to the dangers of its “extreme” environment. .
A document by the Council of Managers of
National Antarctic Programs said that an outbreak of COVID-19 in
Antarctica would have “potential catastrophic consequences.”.
A highly infectious novel virus with significant
mortality and morbidity in the extreme and
austere environment of Antarctica with
limited sophistication of medical care and
public health responses .., Council of Managers of National
Antarctic Programs, via Associated Press.
... is high risk with potential catastrophic consequences, Council of Managers of National
Antarctic Programs, via Associated Press