Antarctica Breached... Chilean Research Team Reports Multiple COVID-19 Cases

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] Researchers belonging to the Chilean base in Antarctica have tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on the Antarctic continent.

On the 22nd (local time), according to the British daily The Guardian and others, 36 people, including 26 soldiers and 10 staff stationed at the Bernardo O'Higgins Chilean base, recently tested positive for COVID-19. The confirmed cases were transferred to Punta Arenas in southern Chile for isolation, and their current condition is reported to be stable. Three sailors who transported them also tested positive for COVID-19.

The Chilean military stated in a press release, "Thanks to appropriate preventive measures, we were able to rescue personnel who tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing."

The Bernardo O'Higgins base is one of 13 Chilean bases in Antarctica. Due to the confirmed cases among researchers belonging to the Chilean base, research activities conducted by scientists worldwide in Antarctica have reportedly been suspended. Currently, about 1,000 people are engaged in research activities on the Antarctic continent.

In March, when COVID-19 swept the world, concerns arose that this infectious disease could become a disaster in Antarctica due to the cold weather and strong winds.

The International Association of Antarctic Program Managers, confirmed by the Associated Press, expressed concern in a document that "a highly contagious novel virus could bring disaster to Antarctica, which has a limited medical system."