Students Suspected of Intentionally Trying to Get COVID-19 to Sell Plasma

Officials at BYU-Idaho reportedly have growing concerns over students seemingly trying to intentionally contract COVID-19 so they can sell plasma containing COVID-19 antibodies.

WGNO reports that a post to the school's website is warning students that intentionally trying to catch COVID-19 "is grounds for possible permanent dismissal."

As research demand has increased, so has the price researchers are willing to pay for blood and plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients.

According to pennlive.com, researchers are paying anywhere from $350 up to a few thousands depending on the lab and State.

Below is part of the statement made by BYU-Idaho. You can read it in full at byui.edu.

"BYU-Idaho is deeply troubled by 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 condemns this behavior and is actively seeking evidence of any such conduct among our student body. 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."