SANTIAGO (Reuters) – Chile’s blazing rapid vaccination program has reached the icy shores of Antarctica, officials and researchers told Reuters on Wednesday, bringing a sense of relief to one of the most isolated and vulnerable outposts on earth.
The pandemic hit Antarctica in December, which was the last global continent to report a COVID-19 outbreak. Chilean health and military officials have been scrambling to evacuate staff from a remote region with limited medical facilities.
Marcela Andrade, an official at the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), told Reuters by telephone that air force personnel, followed by staff at Professor Julio Escudero’s research base, were vaccinated on Sunday with vaccine from Chinese Sinovac Biotech Ltd.
She said the horror of the outbreak was well managed several months ago, but a reminder of the importance of quick vaccination in such a remote and unforgiving place.
“It’s a relief,” said Andrade, who said workers in the isolated region were at special risk. ‘There are not every day flights or ships leaving here. It is complicated to transport people who are (sick) or at risk for others. ”
The base is located on the remote King George Island, the largest of the Shetland Islands off the coast of Antarctica. Researchers count as their nearest neighbors several species of seals, penguins and seabirds that eat fish.
Chile vaulted in front of much of Latin America and the world in its vaccination program and vaccinated most of its frontline health workers, military and elderly. But an increase in infections nationwide has nearly collapsed hospitals, forcing new restrictions on movement. (Graphics: tmsnrt.rs/34pvUyi)
Andrade said Chile’s decision to vaccinate workers in Antarctica was much appreciated and put on time. She said a shift of workers was expected to leave for the mainland in mid-April, making it easier to breathe with the vaccination.
“Looking at the situation in the country and the world, it is a total relief to return to the mainland with a little protection,” she said.
Reporting by Dave Sherwood; Edited by Lisa Shumaker