Coronavirus In Antarctica

Coronavirus In Antarctica

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health

In news 

• At least 36 people at a Chilean research station in Antarctica have been found infected with the novel coronavirus.
• This is the first instance of the virus on the southernmost continent.

Important value additions 

Antarctica

• Antarctica is uninhabited except for those manning the nearly 60 permanent stations established by several countries, including India, for carrying out scientific research.
• As of now, the Indian contingent in Antarctica is not worried about the virus spreading. 
• The two Indian permanent stations in Antarctica, Maitri and Bharati, are at least 5,000 km away from the Chilean base. 
• The two Indian stations are themselves separated by almost 3,000 km.
• The Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is the nodal agency for India’s scientific expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.