Over half the Antarctic scientists have contracted Covid-19, and they are now isolated.
Princess Elizabeth Polar Station reported that 16 crew members contracted the virus from December 14th, the date of first reporting the case.
Each member of the staff has been immunized and tested negative prior to joining the station.
Since December, more than half the scientists from the Princess Elizabeth Polar Station in Antarctica tested positive for Covid-19. This was when the new members of the crew joined.
More than half the Antarctic scientists have been positive for Covid-19, despite having received a full vaccine and being in remote locations around the world. File photograph
Seven days later, however, positive reports were made about the first cases of infection.
All crew affected have been isolated, although at least half of those on the station were infected by the virus.
International Polar Association manages the Princess Elizabeth Polar Station and employs Belgian scientists.
Workers at the remote station were infected by the virus.
No one has reported serious illness among those who have been infected and no one has asked for evacuation from the ice station.
Joseph Cheek is a project manager at the International Polar Foundation. He told BBC that the situation was not dramatic.
“While the quarantine of some staff members who have contracted the virus has caused inconvenience, the effect on our overall work has not been significant.
“All station residents were given the chance to fly on an scheduled flight January 12th. They all expressed the desire to remain and carry on their work.