BYU-Idaho investigating claims students are purposefully getting COVID-19 so that they can get up to $200 for selling their plasma - as more than 109 test positive with the virus
Administrators at a university in Idaho issued a stark warning for students believed to be intentionally exposing themselves to the coronavirus so they can get paid for donating their plasma - which contains antibodies for the virus.
Brigham Young University issued a statement on Monday, explaining that administrators were 'deeply troubled' by the news and planned on investigating any tips they had concerning students.
'Students who are determined to have intentionally exposed themselves or others to the virus will be immediately suspended from the university and may be permanently dismissed,' the school said in their statement.
Brigham Young University issued a statement on Monday, asserting students would be suspended and possibly expelled for purposefully getting the virus
As of Monday, there are 109 students who have tested positive for the coronavirus at the small university. Some 22 employees at the university have also tested positive for COVID-19
As of Monday, there are 109 students who have tested positive for the coronavirus at the small university. Some 22 employees at the university have also tested positive for COVID-19.
The university added that 'reckless disregard for health and safety' would just cause more illnesses and death. BYU is prepared to do fully-remote learning if trends in Idaho stay the same.
'There is never a need to resort to behavior that endangers health or safety in order to make ends meet,' the school concluded in their statement.
Several plasma centers in Idaho and across the country are offering hundreds for those willing to donate their plasma if they have tested positive with the virus.
Biolife Plasma Services, located in Ammon, Idaho, is offering $200 for plasma
Biomat USA, located in Rexburg, Idaho - where BYU is located - is offering $100 for each donation of plasma
Biolife Plasma Services, located in Ammon, Idaho, shared on their website that they are paying $200 a donation for those with the antibodies in their plasma.
Biomat USA, located in Rexburg, Idaho - where BYU is located - is offering $100 for each donation of plasma. The center does allow for multiple donations if the body has built up immunity, according to their website.
People who have recovered from COVID-19 have developed antibodies against the virus, which means they have convalescent plasma. The convalescent plasma is used to help others in their own recovery.
'Although not a vaccine, the sharing of antibodies within your plasma may help those who don't have immunity or are already infected,' Grifols, the parent company for Biomat, states on their website. 'With your donation, we can develop an immunoglobulin, a plasma-based medicine, to potentially treat the disease.'
People who have recovered from COVID-19 have developed antibodies against the virus, which means they have convalescent plasma. The convalescent plasma is used to help others in their own recovery