This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Published on July 2, 2020, a disturbing trend has emerged in Alabama, where some young people are throwing COVID-19 parties.
These parties, held in Tuscaloosa, involve individuals with coronavirus attending with the intention of infecting others, with the first person to contract the virus receiving a payout.
City Council member Sonya McKinstry revealed that she learned about the trend from fire officials, who confirmed the existence of these parties.
During a presentation to the City Council, Fire Chief Randy Smith also spoke about the parties, stating that young people in the city are throwing gatherings with a payout for those who catch coronavirus.
The payout is awarded to the first person confirmed by a doctor to have contracted the virus after exposure.
McKinstry expressed her outrage at the situation, stating that it is 'furious' to see something so serious and deadly being taken for granted.
She emphasized that the city is working to break up these parties and has implemented a mask ordinance, which will come into effect on Monday.
