‘It’s just ignorant’: Alberta residents, doctor react to ‘COVID party’
Posted September 23, 2021 7:01 pm.
Last Updated September 24, 2021 1:54 pm.
EDMONTON — People living in the town of Edson, Alberta are reacting in anger following a story from Wednesday night in which several people from the area attended a “Get COVID” party, as a way to achieve natural immunity.
One doctor in Edson, west of Edmonton, says he’s seen the devastating effects of COVID first-hand.
“One hundred per cent of the critically ill patients I’ve seen with COVID have all been unvaccinated and, like I said, we’re just seeing them younger and younger,” said Dr. Everett Zdrill.
Related video: ‘COVID party’ send Edson residents to Edmonton ICU
Zdrill has been on the front lines. He has not only been involved in caring for critically ill patients, but also seen the impact it’s had on others.
“I have a family practice as well, and I’ve seen my own patients fall ill with COVID and have long term effects,” Zdrill said.
When it comes to trying to contract the virus to achieve natural immunity, Zdrill explains it defies all logic, which is something Alberta’s top doctor also addressed Thursday.
“What is important to know is that anyone contemplating this kind of activity should know, that this consequence is becoming severely ill, and transmitting it onto others who may become ill and die, is an absolutely likely outcome,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
RELATED: Alberta COVID party sends several people to hospital with virus
The Mayor of Edson also responded to CityNews’ story on social media, urging all area residents to get vaccinated. Kevin Zahara said the Delta variant has hammered the area.
CityNews reached out to Zahara, but he declined to comment.
https://twitter.com/kevinzahara/status/1440852565449527310
CityNews did speak to one person who claims he attended a party a couple of weeks ago.
“We were just all going through some stuff and we heard there was a party, so we decided to go. I’d say about 70 to 80 people were there.”
Though his claims couldn’t be verified, CityNews also asked several people in the downtown area about the party. A few had heard about it but were unwilling to comment or give details on camera.
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Meanwhile, other Edson residents say they are furious with the idea of people gathering in an effort to get COVID.
“I cannot afford to be on a ventilator. The disrespect of these people who don’t listen … it’s just ignorant!”
In a statement, Alberta Health Services says since Sept. 15, six COVID patients from Edson were transferred to other facilities for ICU care, including four who are currently in the Edmonton Hospital. There’s no confirmation on whether those numbers are related to the party.