COVID-19 Breaking Eggs In Antarctica, What's The First Case?

Illustration (Paul Carroll / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The new corona virus has landed in Antarctica, the last continent free from COVID-19. The news was conveyed by the Chilean military, as health and military officials rushed to clear and quarantine staff from remote research stations surrounded by oceans and icebergs.

The Chilean military said at least 36 people had contracted COVID-19 at the Bernardo O'Higgins Base on Wednesday, December 23. They consist of 26 military personnel and 10 civilian contractors who carry out maintenance at the base.

Permanent staffed research station, operated by the Chilean army. The research station is located near the tip of a peninsula in Antarctica's northernmost, overlooking a bay dotted with icebergs.

Personnel infected with COVID-19 have reportedly been properly isolated and under constant surveillance by health authorities in Magallanes, the Chilean military said. He also added that so far there were no serious complications from the 36 people.

Antarctica's military and research stations are among the most remote areas in the world. Those at the station have been trying hard in recent months to prevent the virus from breaking out. They even canceled tourism trips, reduced activity and staff, and put in place lockdowns.

Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey estimate that about 1,000 people at 38 research stations across the continent of Antarctica have secured winter navigation. But increased travel to and from the region in the spring and early summer has increased the risk of contracting COVID-19. Experts are concerned that an outbreak in this remote continent could have bigger implications because it is remote and has sub-zero temperatures.

First case

A Chilean Army press officer said the first cases of COVID-19 were recorded in mid-December, when two soldiers fell ill. The Magallanes region is one of the closest populated areas to Antarctica. Magallanes is also the take-off point for many ships and planes bound for the continent of Antarctica.

Most parts of Antarctica, which have chilly winds from the sea, mountains and glaciers, have been under quarantine for months. The Chilean Navy reports that it has detected three cases of COVID-19 among the 208 crew members who have sailed in the Antarctic region between November 27 and December 10.

Hanne Nielsen from the University of Tasmania said the presence of the corona virus on the continent had implications for local wildlife that could be transmitted from humans. While Antarctica's remote nature increases health risks, access there may be restricted for long periods of time.

Previously Antarctica was the only continent in the world without COVID-19. Researchers in Antarctica said that in the days before COVID-19, long-term isolation, independence and psychological tension were common to him. While the whole world sees their life as very extreme.