Say what you will about UO’s reckless undergrads spreading the virus to the Eugene community, and our silly PR messages about hand-washing. This one is new to me. Thanks to the Chronicle for the link:
2:21 p.m. Eastern, 10/13/020
BYU-Idaho Warns Students Not to Intentionally Contract Covid-19
Brigham Young University-Idaho on Monday urged students not to intentionally contract Covid-19 in order to sell their plasma for a higher price. Citing “accounts of individuals who have intentionally exposed themselves or others to Covid-19, with the hope of getting the disease and being paid for plasma that contains Covid-19 antibodies,” the university said it “condemns this behavior and is actively seeking evidence of any such conduct among our student body.” According to EastIdahoNews.com, a spokeswoman for Eastern Idaho Public Health said she had heard rumors that people had intentionally contracted the coronavirus, but had not confirmed them. The news outlet previously reported that plasma centers in the area had paid more money to people whose plasma contained Covid-19 antibodies. —Andy Thomason
(For the record I lived in Rexburg for 3 months back in my oil field days, and can report that the students at what was then called Ricks College are wicked ping-pong players, and learn 8-ball pretty quick. Also there is plenty of oil under those potato fields, but not even close to worth drilling at $40 a barrel.)
I was a professional plasma donator in college. Earned $1000 over the year. At covid19 prices I would have made at least $10000.
As Covid positive you would not only have earned more, you would have been doing more to help humanity. I’m shocked that a university is trying to discourage it’s students from participating in this obvious win-win market mechanism. Maybe their administrators think the plasma buyer is a local monopsonist and is paying students less than the competitive price for blood, as the NCAA cartel does?
More like the university is hoping to grab that revenue stream for themselves? A university in Florida for example, could sell the plasma at least 19 of their players. Imagine the publicity when they spin it as a win/win humanitarian scenario!
https://www.wfla.com/community/health/coronavirus/university-of-florida-cancels-football-team-activities-amid-coronavirus-concerns/
It’s almost like higher education is so expensive that students are in such dire financial situations as to consider intentionally being infected with what can be a life altering disease just to make an extra couple hundred dollars. But that couldn’t possibly be the case. University boards are always doing so much to manage costs, cut administrative bloat, and make every dollar count (especially when purchasing jumbo-trons).
I would almost suggest some sort of research study to provide covid-positive plasma in a safe and controlled environment… but I’m sure the NCAA would find some way to charge the student.