The National Science Foundation (NSF) has suspended all travel to Antarctica for at least two weeks following a COVID-19 outbreak at a U.S.-operated research station.
In a Nov. 4 statement, the NSF said more than 70 people tested positive at McMurdo station, the largest American facility located on the southern tip of Antarctica’s Ross Island.
“Following the confirmation of more than 70 positive cases at McMurdo station, NSF is reviewing the existing protocols implemented at the start of the season in September to reduce the transmission rates,” the agency wrote.
“Based on the recommendations of our expert epidemiologist, management is moving to lower the density of the population to reduce the possibility of transmission,” it added. “As plans are confirmed and due to the quickly changing situation, NSF will be posting updates.”…