It doesn’t seem plausible that students would throw “COVID parties” to intentionally become infected with the virus. This is actually happening in some U.S. cities as teens and young adults recklessly gather during the pandemic, seemingly unaware of the bigger picture. Read on to learn more about these dangerous parties.
NursesCOVIDNews
On July 8th, an Alabama local news station reported COVID-19 hospitalizations increased by 40% within 24 hours. Officials provided multiple reasons for the dramatic increase, such as relaxed social distancing, not wearing masks and recent protests. However, an unthinkable new theory emerged as contributing to the state’s growing infection rates…. COVID parties.
Is it Positive?
Tuscaloosa is a well-known college town and home of the University of Alabama. In 2019, over 38,000 students were enrolled at the University. Recently county officials began receiving reports of students intentionally becoming infected with COVID-19. The reports came from doctor offices and emergency department staff throughout the county that treated COVID positive students and teens. What was being reported? Unbelievably, some students tested for COVID 19 were thrilled when they received a positive test result.
Just Rumor?
In a briefing , Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Randy Smith said, “The one thing we have seen over the last few weeks is parties going on throughout the county...at several locations, where students or kids would come in with known positives.” Officials first thought the parties were only rumors. However, doctor offices and state information confirmed COVID parties were being thrown.
Inside the Party
So, what really goes on at COVID parties? Tuscaloosa City Councilor Sandra McKinstry told news outlets that people known to be infected with COVID were intentionally invited to the gatherings. There are reports of some hosts actually having a confirmed COVID-19 test. Partiers pool their money in one pot then compete to become the first person to test positive for the virus. The winner not only gets infected, but also takes home the pool of money.
Disturbing Trend
Dangerous COVID parties are being reported outside of Alabama.
San Antonio, Texas
Unfortunately, Alabama is not the only state seeing this disturbing trend. On July 12th, a 30-year old patient died of COVID in a Texas hospital after attending a "COVID Party". The patient told their nurse that he mistakenly thought the pandemic was a hoax. Dr. Jane Appleby, chief medical officer for Methodist Healthcare in San Antonio, reported attendees go to see “if the virus is real and if anyone gets infected.” The hospital is currently treating COVID patients in their 20s and 30s, with some potentially needing intensive care.
The reported death came as federal medical teams from the U.S Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Health and Services were deployed across Texas to help overwhelmed local hospitals deal with a growing number of COVID patients.
Kentucky
At a press conference in late March, Kentucky Governor Andy Breshears reported a person tested positive for COVID after attending a “coronavirus party” thrown for people in their 20s. Gov. Breshears did not elaborate on how many people attended the party, which he called a “callous” act that could put lives in jeopardy.
University Response
According to an issued statement, University of Alabama has been unable to identify any students who have participated in COVID parties. However, the university will continue to follow-up on any information received and continue educating students and staff. If on-campus activities resume, the college expects students to “safeguard their personal health and safety and that of everyone at the University and in our city.”
Are They Aware?
As nurses, the consequences of COVID parties immediate play out in our head. It’s not just the students at risk for COVID and related complications, it is their family, co-workers, peers and any other paths they cross. Many of us are living out the trickle down effect of pandemic on our own jobs, personal health and finances.
What do you think?
Are COVID partiers aware their actions can have serious, even fatal, consequences. Or, are they simply filling a need to socialize?
