Christopher BergMiami Beach, FL – A city official has suggested what he says is a bold plan to fight Coronavirus – intentionally infect the city’s first responders.
Miami Beach Commissioner Ricky Arriola floated the idea at a city meeting on Friday, according to Miami New Times.
“I’ve been trying to research and no one’s answered the question: Do you develop, once you have the coronavirus, assuming you make it through, do you have immunity? Some doctors have told me yes,” Arriola said at the meeting.
“To the extent that that is true, might we start thinking about… It’s dangerous but bold… It’s like a chicken pox, thank you… Our first responders voluntarily taking one for the team, going through the two weeks. Guys, we’ve got to be serious about this, and then developing the immunity?” Arriola said.
His suggestion comes after a San Jose Firefighter is reported to be in grave condition from the Coronavirus, according to NBC Bay Area.
A Texas police officer is also in critical condition from the virus, according to KRIV.
“Let us assure you, there is nothing bold about intentionally infecting human beings with a pandemic just because of who they are,” the National Fraternal Order of Police said in a statement on Facebook.
“Police Officers ‘take one for the team’ every day commissioner. Purposely harming us and our families with your idiotic idea is not what anyone expects of our elected officials. The entire first responder community deserves an apology for your disgusting and dangerous remarks,” the FOP concluded.
Arriola has told the Miami New Times that’d he’d be willing to go through the infection process himself.
You can see video from the meeting below: