A research center in Antarctica is battling an outbreak of the coronavirus, with at least 16 out of 25 workers testing positive for the virus.

A Belgian facility has strict rules to avoid Princess Elizabeth Polar Station COVID-19[feminine[feminine][स्त्री[feminine Infection, Le Soir pointed out.

According to the magazine, the first positive case was identified on December 14 among members of a team who had arrived at the facility a week before traveling from South Africa.

Two other members of the travel party then tested positive.

All three were evacuated on 23 December, but more and more workers continued to contract COVID.

Le Soir reported that all members of the team had received two doses of the vaccine and none had severe symptoms of the virus.

There are two emergency doctors at the station, who have the ability to analyze equipment and PCR tests to treat people who develop severe symptoms.

Workers are required to provide a negative test before traveling from Belgium to South Africa, while they must also self-quarantine in South Africa and test negative before traveling to Antarctica.

The most widespread Omicron variant of the coronavirus was first identified in South Africa.

Arrival at the station, the world’s first zero-emissions polar research station, has been banned until the outbreak stops.