This really is unbelievably short-sighted…
According to a city councilwoman in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, students in her town have been throwing “COVID parties” — large gatherings with no social distancing and cash rewards given to the first person from the party who gets the coronavirus. Yes, really.
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The southern college town has seen an uptick in young people getting diagnosed with the disease, and so state health officials went to investigate such a notable cluster among otherwise young, seemingly healthy people. What they discovered was horrifying: the teens were apparently purposely contracting the disease at parties designed to spread it, with ‘winners’ getting money for their efforts if they were diagnosed first among the party-goers.
Councilor Sonya McKinstry spoke to ABC News about the insane idea, saying:
“They put money in a pot and they try to get COVID. Whoever gets COVID first gets the pot. It makes no sense. They’re intentionally doing it. We’re trying to break up any parties that we know of. It makes me furious, Furious to the fact that something that is so serious and deadly is being taken for granted. Not only is it irresponsible, but you could contract the virus and take it home to your parents or grandparents.”
Well said!!!
Related: Turns Out Texas Teens Are Doing Nearly The Same Damn Thing…
Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Randy Smith confirmed the existence of the parties, too, speaking to the City Council in a meeting earlier this week. According to the local NBC News affiliate WTVM 13, the fire chief told the city’s council members:
“We thought that was kind of a rumor at first. We did some research. Not only do the doctors’ offices confirm it but the state confirmed they also had the same information.”
Wow…
Officials report that there have been “several of these parties” confirmed in the Tuscaloosa area over the last few weeks. State health department investigators are even apparently assuming there have been more of these than they can even confirm, according to these same news reports. So, this is like a widespread thing, then?! Holy s**t…
For what it’s worth: news reports note that violating Alabama’s “Safer at Home Order” is a misdemeanor, with fines up to $500 for each violation. Suspected coronavirus sufferers must stay home and quarantine in their place of residence for a period of 14 days. If only these kids would listen! It’s really not that hard!
Reactions, Perezcious readers? What a sad, sick, twisted, and terrible state of affairs here, isn’t it?! Such an absurd thing. Sound OFF with your comments down in the section (below)! Ugh!!!
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