Antarctica New Zealand, the government agency that does environmental research on the desolate landmass and the Southern Ocean, said limiting the number of people visiting was key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus.
New Zealand cuts research to keep Antarctica virus free
New Zealand said Tuesday it will reduce its scientific projects in Antarctica to keep the virtually uninhabited continent free from COVID-19.
Antarctica New Zealand said it was developing a managed isolation plan with multiple government agencies to ensure COVID-19 does not reach the continent
Recommended articles
![Turkey, others back Iran's warning to Israel, US disputes claim [Le Monde]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Turkey, others back Iran's warning to Israel, US disputes claim [Le Monde]")
The agency said it had decided to support "only long-term science monitoring, essential operational activity and planned maintenance this season" at its Scott Base after consulting other research programmes in the region.
According to reports, the number of projects was being cut from 36 to 13 across the upcoming research season from October to March.
"Antarctica New Zealand is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of New Zealand's Antarctic scientific research," Chief Executive Sarah Williamson said.
ADVERTISEMENT
"However, current circumstances dictate that our ability to support science is extremely limited this season."
Antarctica New Zealand said it was developing a managed isolation plan with multiple government agencies to ensure COVID-19 does not reach the continent.
Scott Base is New Zealand's only Antarctic research station and is 3,800 kilometres (2,360 miles) south of Christchurch and 1350 km (840 miles) from the South Pole, according to Antarctica New Zealand.
Up to 86 scientists, staff and visitors can usually stay there at any one time.
bur-je/qan
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
President Tinubu declares April 7 as National Police Day
El-Rufai tells Tinubu to drop appointees who fail to deliver
Fresh crisis in Kano as NNPP passes vote of no confidence on Gov Abba Yusuf
Kano APC nullifies Ganduje's suspension, vows to punish those behind it
'We regret it' - Enenche bows to pressure, apologises to lady accused of false testimony
FG says Nigeria will lead Africa in developing and regulating AI globally
Edwin Clark wants Tinubu to send brave soldiers to Sambisa to rescue Chibok girls
FG urged to review PIA as food shortage hits 25 million Nigerians
Governor Sule raises alarm over rising kidnappings, militia activities
Pulse Sports
Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami
Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe
Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024
Alex Iwobi makes Premier League history which Mikel, Yakubu, Kanu could not achieve
Like Michael Jordan - Details of Victor Osimhen’s ‘superhuman’ jump against Monza emerges
ADVERTISEMENT
![Lori and George Schappell shared 30% brain [Shutterstock]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Lori and George Schappell shared 30% brain [Shutterstock]")