All 25 Antarctic researchers were fully vaxxed, boosted, multiple PCR tests, quarantined, sparse population, lots of fresh air. Two thirds still got Covid-UK Telegraph

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“Antarctica is a continent dedicated to [taxpayer funded] science.”…“The Belgian Polar Secretariat was created by law on July 24, 2008 and its management rules were defined by Royal Decree of May 20, 2009.”

[Image: Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Antarctic Station]

12/30/21, “Covid reaches the Antarctic: polar researchers report outbreak at remote station," UK Telegraph, James Crisp

“Polar researchers in remote Antarctica have fallen victim to coronavirus, despite taking strict health precautions, being fully vaccinated and miles from civilization. 

 

Two thirds of the 25 staff based in Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Polar Station have caught Covid, the Le Soir newspaper reported, proving there is no escape from the global pandemic.

The [thought to be] Omicron outbreak happened despite all staff passing multiple PCR tests, quarantining and living in one of the most remote places in the world….

None of the infected Belgians have exhibited any severe symptoms….

All 25 researchers were fully vaccinated and one had a booster shot. Before leaving for the station, they

underwent a PCR test in Belgium two hours before flying to South Africa.

In South Africa, they quarantined for ten days and

took another PCR test. A further test was needed when leaving Cape Town for Antarctica

and a final one five days after that.

One person tested positive seven days after arriving at the station on December 14. The person was isolated but tests revealed two others had caught the virus. The three were evacuated on December 23 but the virus has continued to spread.

It is thought to be the Omicron variant because that is responsible for 99 per cent of infections in South Africa.

There are two emergency doctors at the station, which will not allow any new arrivals until the virus dissipates.

Belgium’s Polar Secretariat has decided the research season will be shortened and that staff shall stay there until at least until January 12, when new expeditions will arrive.”

 

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