Coronavirus Pandemic Has Reached A Remote Research Outpost

Coronavirus crisis hits ice-locked Arctic research expedition, Nature

"The coronavirus outbreak has reached the Arctic -- and is imperilling a massive international scientific project, after a team member tested positive for the virus. The mission, called MOSAiC, is operating from the German research vessel Polarstern, which has been intentionally frozen in Arctic sea ice since last October. From this ice-encrusted platform, a rotating cast of scientists and technicians are sampling the ice, atmosphere and ocean in an attempt to understand the intricacies of the rapidly changing Arctic climate. The team member who contracted the virus works on the airborne component of the expedition -- a key part that has now been delayed to protect those on board the ship. This part of the mission will use scientific aircraft to take measurements around Polarstern to provide context for those taken at the ship."

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