China's Zhongshan,Changcheng stations in South Pole maintain zero-COVID infection rate

(ECNS) -- China's Changcheng and Zhongshan research stations in the South Pole have maintained a “zero-infection” rate since the outbreak of the global pandemic, according to the country’s National Medical Care and Research Center for Polar Expedition in Shanghai East Hospital.

King George Island, where China's Changcheng station is located, is home to the most research stations in the Antarctic region. In order to contain the pandemic, the Changcheng and Zhongshan stations have implemented closed-off management since the beginning of 2020, said Yu Wanxian, executive director of the center.

At present, there are 13 team members at the Changcheng station and 22 at Zhongshan. Both stations have strictly implemented epidemic prevention measures like nucleic acid testing, temperature monitoring, and disinfection. In addition, the research station conducts overall sterilization at least twice a month.