Coronavirus: how ‘reckless’ partying by carefree youths is fuelling global spike in infections
- Several French coastal cities have seen a jump in cases involving youths who frequented bars or parties
- In Canada those under the age of 39 now account for most new infections and the health authority has warned they are ‘not invincible’ against the virus
As authorities lifted restrictions on gatherings after months of lockdown and summer holidays began in the northern hemisphere, bars and nightclubs have filled up with teens and young adults. And where venues are closed, young revellers are simply moving the party elsewhere – to beaches, parks and streets that have become Covid-19 hotspots.
Near the British city of Manchester thousands of people have gathered in outdoor rave parties organised on social media while the sprawling Bois de Vincennes park in Paris has regularly hosted illegal techno music parties featuring paper lanterns and electric generators that power turntables.
“Partying is crucial,” said one of the organisers of the gatherings in Vincennes park, Antoine Calvino.
Alcohol flows freely at these events, leading many to drop rules about wearing masks and keeping distance that are intended to stop the spread of the virus, which has claimed over 700,000 lives worldwide.
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Police routinely try to break up these outdoor gatherings but more keep appearing. As a result the number of infections among youths has jumped in numerous countries, prompting repeated appeals from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for young people to act responsibly.
