15 January 2023 We're COVID Free!

Journal

COVID Precautions

When I was preparing to come to Antarctica, I took a lot of precautions to prevent bringing a virus down here. Even something small like a cold can be devastating when living in close quarters at 10,500 feet elevation.

I wore a mask at work, limited group contact before coming, and stayed masked on the flights and during our time in New Zealand. We were tested twice in New Zealand before coming here.

Elaine wears a mask in the airport — Safety first! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

In McMurdo Station, we were tested again, and isolated in our own dorm. Then before coming to South Pole we were tested again!

Two people wearing masks distributing COVID test — Our amazing medical team! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

At the South Pole

Once arriving at the South Pole, we were tested AGAIN and asked to sit in a separate section of the galley (dining hall). Everyone wore masks indoors, and when working with other people. This proved very difficult outside as the moisture from your breath would freeze in the mask.

Two people wear masks inside a computer room — Alisa and Hrvoje are smiling underneath those masks! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

But on our fifth day, the ENTIRE station was tested and we are all negative! (If you're counting, this was my 6th COVID test in 2 weeks.) They made an announcement over the loudspeakers and lots of people started cheering when they said we no longer have to wear masks!

A negative COVID test. — Test number 4? 5? It became so routine it's hard to keep track! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

We are still receiving new polies - some to finish up summer work - and some who are "wintering" here. All new arrivals are still masking and testing for 5 days to keep us COVID free!

It's been super amazing to walk around our little bubble and see peoples faces, and exist like we did in pre-COVID times. I am only here for 5 more days and I am not looking forward to the "real world". :( I'm going to miss our little utopia!