Some Alabama students throw COVID-19 parties to see who gets infected

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Officials in Tuscaloosa, Alabama say some students are throwing parties, competing to see who can catch COVID-19 first.

Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Randy Smith spoke about this during a city council meeting on Tuesday, confirming the holidays.

According to Tuscaloosa City Councilwoman Sonya McKistry, the organizers of the party intentionally invite guests who have COVID-19. Then the money is put in a pot. Whoever gets the virus first wins the pot.

Officials are outraged that they fear some students will go to these parties without knowing the intention and say that this type of behavior endangers their loved one.

“It really infuriates me that, you know, we’re constantly trying to do everything we can to stop the virus from spreading while they just have a damn party trying to spread it,” McKistry said.

It is unclear if students who have COVID-19 have infected someone at parties.

According to ABC News, Smith did not say exactly what is being done to stop the parties, but McKistry said they will try to break up any meetings they hear.

It is unclear which schools students attend, but Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama and several other universities.

Alabama has a “Safer Order at Home”, and officials emphasize that violating it is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $ 500.

Shortly after Tuesday’s meeting, the city council unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance requiring the use of face covers while in public. The Tuscaloosa ordinance will take effect on July 6.