Brigham Young University-Idaho Investigates Students Intentionally Contracting COVID-19 To Sell Plasma

Brigham Young University-Idaho has warned that students could face suspension if they intentionally try to contract COVID-19. The university, which is located in the city of Rexburg, launched an investigation following reports of students potentially contracting the virus so they could sell their plasma containing COVID-19 antibodies.

“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 school wrote in a statement Monday.

“The university condemns this behavior and is actively seeking evidence of any such conduct among our student body.”

If the investigation confirms that students actively sought to contract the virus in order to sell their plasma, such students could be suspended and potentially dismissed from the university.

“The contraction and spread of Covid-19 is not a light matter,” the school wrote. "We urge all members of the campus community to act respectfully and responsibly by observing all public health and university protocols and placing the well-being of others above personal benefit or convenience.''

There have been 119 BYU-Idaho students tested positive for the coronavirus.

The school warned that it could be forced to move classes online if cases continue to spike on campus and across the state.

Students allegedly selling their plasma after contracting the virus comes as local plasma centers in Idaho have reportedly offered to pay for donations.

Plasma has been in high demand since the start of the pandemic as the antibody-rich liquid can be used to treat severely ill people who’ve contracted COVID-19.