"Prize for the First Infected Person" Controversy Over 'Corona Party' at US University

Published 03 Jul.2020 14:05(KST)

Map of the United States. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] Some college students in the United States are causing controversy by holding 'corona parties' that reward the first person infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) with a cash prize.

On the 2nd (local time), CNN reported that the Tuscaloosa City health authorities in Alabama confirmed that some college students held corona parties on the condition of giving money to COVID-19 infected individuals.

Land Smith, Fire Chief of the Tuscaloosa COVID-19 response team, stated in a city council report, "After investigating some college students who tested positive for COVID-19, we confirmed that they attended shocking corona parties."

Chief Smith said, "At first, I thought it was just a rumor, but after investigation, it turned out to be happening in reality."

The parties were held with COVID-19 patients attending, offering the proceeds from ticket sales to the first person among the contacts of the patient who became infected.

The health authorities have identified that such parties have been continuously held over the past few weeks and believe there may be more unconfirmed corona parties.

They also announced plans to immediately disperse any corona party sites upon detection in the future.

Sonya McKinstry, a Tuscaloosa city council member, appeared on ABC and criticized, "Students are deliberately holding corona parties, blatantly ignoring quarantine guidelines and infecting each other," adding, "I am very angry at this behavior of young people, as it is an irresponsible act that can spread disease to their families."