Officials: Students in Alabama threw COVID contest parties
Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Randy Smith speaks to the Tuscaloosa city council on June 30, 2020.[City of Tuscaloosa - Government/Facebook]
Several college students in an Alabama city organized "COVID-19" parties as a contest to see who would get the virus first, officials said.
Tuscaloosa City Councilor Sonya McKinstry said students hosted the parties to intentionally infect each other with the new coronavirus, news outlets reported.
McKinstry said party organizers purposely invited guests who tested positive for COVID-19. She said the students put money in a pot and whoever got COVID first would get the cash.
"It makes no sense," McKinstry said. "They’re intentionally doing it."
Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Randy Smith confirmed the incidents to the City Council on Tuesday.
The department thought the parties were rumors, but Smith said after some research, officials discovered the parties were real.
"Not only do the doctors’ offices confirm it but the state confirmed they also had the same information," Smith said.
Smith did not say whether actions would be taken against the students. He also did not say which schools the students attend.
Tuscaloosa is home to The University of Alabama and several other colleges.
The University of Alabama said it investigated those rumors and found no evidence of the parties.
We have been aware for weeks of the rumors about COVID parties. We conducted a thorough investigation, + although we have been unable to identify any students who may have participated in these types of activities, we will continue to follow up on any information we receive
— The Univ. of Alabama (@UofAlabama) July 2, 2020
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UA is unwavering in its commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. More info: https://t.co/PpMt0UOe7p // We ask anyone with information about inappropriate behavior to contact the UA Office of Student Conduct immediately: https://t.co/9f5dam4c87
— The Univ. of Alabama (@UofAlabama) July 2, 2020
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Tuscaloosa City Council members 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 clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and even be fatal.