Explained: Why Covid-19 in Antarctica is not an Indian worry yet Antarctica is uninhabited except for those manning the nearly 60 permanent stations established by several countries, including India, for carrying out scientific research. Updated: December 30, 2020 2:55:53 pm Maitri- Second Indian Antarctic station. It was set up back in 1988. At least 36 people at a Chilean research station in Antarctica have been found infected with the novel coronavirus. This is the first instance of the virus on the icy, southernmost continent. Chile’s armed forces revealed the cases on Monday, but some of them could have been infected earlier. Antarctica is uninhabited except for those manning the nearly 60 permanent stations established by several countries, including India, for carrying out scientific research.