Officials at Brigham Young University’s Idaho campus say they’ve learned students have been trying to contract COVID-19 because blood donation centers are paying premium money for antibody-rich plasma.
“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,” reads a warning issued to students on Monday. School administrators say they’re “actively seeking evidence of any such conduct among our student body.”
BYU Idaho warns against intentional exposure to COVID-19 to sell plasma
https://t.co/Vhl2a9dmTA— CBS2 News (@CBS2Boise) October 13, 2020
One Idaho blood donation company — Grifols Biomat USA — offers $100 per donation for plasma with COVID-19 antibodies, according to its website. “As your body produces more to maintain your immunity, you can potentially donate multiple times,” the site reads.
Is it irresponsible for the blood donation company to offer that much for donations? What can be done to discourage students from taking advantage of the offer?
