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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – Several college students in an Alabama city threw “COVID-19” parties as a contest to see who would get the virus first, an official said.
The students organized the parties to intentionally catch the new coronavirus, the media reported, citing Tuscaloosa City Councilwoman Sonya McKinstry. McKinstry said the party’s organizers deliberately invited guests who tested positive for COVID-19. She said the students put money in a pot and whoever got COVID would get the cash first.
“It doesn’t make sense,” said McKinstry. “They are doing it on purpose.”
Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Randy Smith told City Council Tuesday that firefighters confirmed that some students had attended parties despite knowing they were infected. The department thought the parties were rumors, but Smith said that after some investigation, officials found they were real.
“Not only do doctors’ offices confirm it, but the state confirmed they also had the same information,” said Smith.
State health officer Scott Harris said he had seen the news about the reported parties, but could not officially confirm it.
Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty, a local doctor, was quoted by Tuscaloosa News saying that there had been party rumors for about a month.
“While my nursing staff was evaluating patients to take samples of COVID-19, they were informed about the COVID-19 home parties and even college students showed them videos of the parties,” said Peramsetty. “When students are called to get results, we noticed that some were very excited and happy to be positive, while others were very upset that they were negative.”
McKinstry and Smith did not say which schools students attend. Tuscaloosa is the home of the University of Alabama and several other universities.
The University of Alabama released a statement saying they have heard rumors of such parties and are working to educate students.
“For weeks we have known the rumors about the COVID parties. We conducted a thorough investigation and, although we have not been able to identify any students who have participated in these types of activities, we will continue to follow up on any information we receive and educate our students about essential precautions, “the university said in a statement.
Members of the Tuscaloosa City Council unanimously approved a mask requirement during a meeting Tuesday.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that disappear within two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more serious illness and even be fatal.
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This story has been edited to clarify that the fire chief only confirmed that the students had attended parties knowing they were infected.
