Antarctica has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic as 36 people have tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, December 21 at the General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme Research Station (WAP CHL-Ø2). The virus has now spread to every continent on the globe!
PCR swab tests given to Chilean researchers at the General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme (pic aside) came back positive.
The Chilean workers appear to have contracted the virus following a cargo supply delivery on November 27.
The cargo, was delivered by the Navy Vessel Sargento Aldea, which returned to the port of Talcahuano three weeks later.
At least 26 army personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 as well as 10 other contractors and at least three crewmembers of the navy ship have also tested positive.
The Chilean army has said all non-essential staff have been transported back to Chile. The infected individuals are said to be in good condition and isolating.
The General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme research station is one of 70 permanent bases located on the icy continent, 13 of which are Chilean.
Read more at: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1375481/Antarctica-news-Covid-spread-2020-evg
W.A.P. Worldwide Antarctic Program