COVID-19 Spreads to Antarctica... 16 Infected in Cluster at Belgian Scientific Base

Breakthrough Infections Despite High-Intensity Quarantine Measures

Belgium's Antarctic 'Princess Elisabeth' Research Station / Photo by Princess Elisabeth Research Station Website

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A COVID-19 cluster infection has occurred at the Belgian scientific base in Antarctica, with more than half of the entire staff reported to be infected. Despite being far from civilization and all staff having completed vaccination, breakthrough infections could not be avoided.

According to the British 'BBC' broadcast on the 1st (local time), at the Belgian 'Princess Elisabeth' scientific base on the Antarctic continent, at least 16 out of 25 total staff members are currently infected with COVID-19. The virus has spread to far more than half of the total personnel. However, all patients are reported to be showing only mild symptoms so far.

A base official explained the situation to 'BBC,' saying, "The situation is not extreme," and "Although isolating confirmed cases is challenging, it has not seriously affected the overall mission at the base."

After the cluster infection occurred, Belgian authorities offered the base staff the opportunity to leave on a flight on the 12th, but it is known that all chose to remain.

As of the 1st (local time), it was found that nearly two-thirds of the entire personnel at this scientific base were infected. The photo shows the Belgian scientific base. / Photo by Yonhap News

The cluster infection is reported to have started from a staff member who recently arrived at the Antarctic base from Belgium. This staff member tested positive for COVID-19 about a week after arriving at the base. According to the British media 'The Telegraph,' the coronavirus currently spreading at the Antarctic base is likely the Omicron variant.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in earnest last year, the Belgian Antarctic base has implemented strict quarantine measures. All staff are required to complete a total of three vaccine doses, including a booster shot.

Typically, the Antarctic base is accessed via Cape Town, the capital of South Africa. Upon entering South Africa from Belgium, staff undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and then self-isolate for 10 days. Additionally, another PCR test is conducted when entering the Antarctic base from Cape Town. Despite these thorough quarantine guidelines, this breakthrough infection could not be prevented.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time a COVID-19 cluster infection has occurred at an Antarctic base. At the end of 2020, 36 people tested positive for COVID-19 at Chile's Antarctic O'Higgins research base.

Among the 36 confirmed cases, 26 were military personnel and 10 were facility managers. It was confirmed that the infection occurred during the Chilean Navy's transportation of supplies and personnel to the research station.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.