As the rest of the world continues to face the coronavirus pandemic, one continent has managed to remain completely free of infection.
Antarctica, the coldest place on Earth, is now considered the “safest place in the world”, with no confirmed cases.
The region had a tight squeeze with Covid-19 when the outbreaks hit the season’s final cruise ships, but the virus did not reach its frozen shores. And, since it is currently descending into the winter, when it is completely cut, it should remain so for now.
Although there is no official native population here – unless counting the numerous penguins, whales, seals and albatrosses – around 5,000 people, mainly scientists and researchers, currently reside in its approximately 80 bases.
Keri Nelson, Anvers Island administrative coordinator Palmer station, the northernmost station in the United States in Antarctica, is one of them.
“I really don’t think there is a person here right now who is not grateful to be here and to be safe,” he tells CNN Travel via email.
“Some people are ready to go home. To help people they love and to be useful in other ways during this historical period.
“But all of us are very grateful to live in a place where this disease (and all its implications for health and lifestyle) are absent.”
Read more:
Coffee enthusiast. Travel scholar. Infuriatingly humble zombie fanatic. Thinker. Professional twitter evangelist.
