Polar explorers of the Chilean base in Antarctica contracted coronavirus

At the Chilean research base O'Higgins Riquelme, 36 people tested positive for coronavirus, the Australian broadcaster ABC reports, citing the press service of the Chilean Armed Forces' 5th military division. The military clarifies that 26 servicemen and ten civilians - employees of the company serving the base - were infected.

All of them are now sent to Chile and isolated under medical supervision. None of them have had severe symptoms or complications yet.

A new team was sent to the station, which passed preliminary quarantine and passed tests, the results of which turned out to be negative.

On December 21, Chilean doctors reported that three crew members of the base's transport ship had returned from Antarctica with coronavirus. Previously, all of the team's tests were negative.

Let us recall that O'Higgins is one of the 13 operating Chilean bases in Antarctica. The base is located near the northernmost point of the Antarctic Peninsula.

We also remind you that in June a fire broke out at the Russian station Mirny in Antarctica, which destroyed the laboratories and the radio room.