To this day, Antarctica is the only coronavirus-free continent on earth. To keep it that way, scientists should now be quarantined in New Zealand for two weeks before an Antarctic expedition. The New Zealand government announced today that the first international team to open this year’s research season is expected to come from the United States tomorrow.
The group must be isolated for 14 days at their own expense. Before entering the ice on August 24th, all participants would also be tested twice for the corona virus.
All Antarctic programs will be reduced to a minimum this year due to the pandemic. Usually up to 3,000 people per year take part in research on the southern continent. The season lasts from August to March. The number is not expected to exceed 800 this year.
