The parties are a growing trend throughout the country with many deliberately catching the virus in the hopes it will build their immunity.
A spokesperson from Queensland Health told the Courier Mail that these parties are both “reckless” and “selfish”.
“The vast majority of Queenslanders are sensible enough to know what is appropriate, especially when Covid-19 is rife in our community,” he said.
“We can’t make this any clearer: if you are sick – isolate and get tested. If you are a confirmed Covid-19 case or close contact, stay at home.”
- Queensland Health
The spokesperson said these parties have the potential to put unnecessary strain on already stressed health workers.
“… It puts even further strain on our frontline workers who have been responding to this pandemic for more than two years,” he said.
“We urge Queenslanders to remember Covid-19 is not mild and in some cases may cause long-term health complications. The Omicron variant is no different – every day we see people dying around the world after contracting this particular strain of the virus.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate labelled the party hosts and attendees as “brainless” during an appearance on the Today Show.
“They’re all unvaccinated people and if you want to get Covid that’s the place to go and get it because someone’s going to have it and it spreads too easily, it’s a brainless idea and I wish they wouldn’t do it,” he said.
The comments come after Tate told the Gold Coast Bulletin the virus should be treated much like flu and left to spread through the community so it can reach its peak as soon as possible.
This was met with much criticism as Gold Coast vaccination rates are still lacking with many of Queensland’s ICU patients coming from the Gold Coast.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with Your Morning Agenda - supported by a network of local journalists from all major Australian cities, ensuing timely and first hand insights on local stories:
Download LiSTNR and enjoy a new world of audio. All your favourite shows and stations in one library.