Corona Daily 401: And the Winner is…

Now was the interesting part. In all other respects, the party was like any other party. Young boys and girls dancing, drinking, ear-piercing music, people trying to outshout the music, chips, pizzas, junk food and bottles strewn about.

The host, a third year student at the University, silenced the music to draw attention to his announcement.

‘Guys, thanks for making tonight’s party an unbelievable success. Today, our collection is an all-time record. $380 in total.’ The DJ, doubling up as treasurer for the event, held out the neatly tied up cash made up of $10 and $20 notes. He put it in a trophy placed on a high stool.

‘There’, the host said pointing to the trophy. ‘One of us is going to get all that dough. $380. I would like to welcome…’ he invited a boy to stand next to him. Everyone clapped. ‘Congratulations to our winner! He gets $240, from the last party. We have verified everything. He has a proper certificate. A genuine, good positive test. Well done!’ The infected boy waved and pocketed the cash.

‘Remember,’ the host continued. ‘The rules are simple and clear. Preserve your Covid party tickets. Except the previous winners, everyone qualifies. It is not enough to get infected. You must do a proper test, and produce a documented result. We reserve the right to verify. If all this is understood, thanks and good luck.’

There was a great rush to hug the winner. He was overwhelmed. Reciprocating, he warmly hugged and kissed everyone. Nobody knew how exactly the virus was transmitted. He wanted to be fair to everyone.

*****

Tuscaloosa is the seventh largest city in the state of Alabama. An educational town, it is home to the University of Alabama, and many other colleges. Alabama has had more than 40,000 confirmed cases, nearly 1000 deaths. Tuscaloosa County has had 2107 cases, 39 deaths.

On 30 June, Tuscaloosa fire chief Randy Smith told the city council he had heard about student parties where infected kids attend. He initially thought it was a rumour. However, city doctors and state officials confirm having the same information. On 1 July, city council member Sonya McKinstry testified that the Covid party was a morbid game where Covid-positive students were intentionally invited, and a competition organized with money in a pot. Whoever gets Covid first, gets the money.

*****

University of Alabama issued a press statement saying they have been aware of the rumours about Covid parties, but unable to identify any students who attended such parties. Alabama department of public health (ADPH) has now declared violations of home quarantine punishable by a fine up to $500 (note: more than the Covid party winning amount.) This week, an ordinance has been issued making mask-wearing mandatory in the city of Tuscaloosa.

*****

In the state of New York, health officials are complaining about non-cooperation from those who attended a recent party. That party caused a local outbreak. The students refuse to answer the calls. Their parents lie saying the kid was at home, when he/she wasn’t. On 1 July, the health commissioner Dr Patricia Schnabel confirmed subpoenas will be issued to force the parties to comply with contact tracing efforts. Failure to comply will cost $2000 a day.

*****

The cost of a subpoena is another variable American students will need to take into account before attending the next party.

Ravi