Taylor Swift Album Party Becomes Superspreader Event

Taylor Swift is arguably one of the biggest pop stars of the modern generation. She has millions and millions of fans worldwide who absolutely adore her. Such fame and following has their own downsides as well, especially at times like this amid a pandemic.

A Taylor Swift album party in Sydney, Australia, appears to have become a superspreader event. The authorities issued an urgent warning after the party was connected to nearly 100 COVID-19 cases. In a public health alert issued on Thursday, the New South Wales Ministry of Health said it had been notified of a “venue of concern” in Sydney connected to at least 97 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The health ministry said that anyone who attended the “On Repeat: Taylor Swift Red Party” at the Metro Theatre from 9 p.m. local time on Friday Dec. 10 is considered a “close contact” of a positive Covid case and “must immediately get tested and isolate for 7 days.” The health ministry said it was likely that at least some of the cases identified were the Omicron variant.

NSW Health said it was also asking all household contacts of those at the event to get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received by everyone in the household. At least 600 people were checked into the event via a QR code. Anyone who did not use the QR code was told to urgently get tested and isolate.

The health ministry also asked that the broader community work to ensure other potential attendees are aware of this advice. In the wake of the incident, NSW Health said it wanted to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining COVID-safe practices as transmission is occurring at social events during the festive period.

The superspreader event also comes as countries around the world grapple with a surge in Covid cases amid the spread of the omicron variant. NSW Health said penalties for non-compliance with isolation, testing and quarantine rules have been increased. People should really listen to the restrictions in this grave times to be safe.

What is your take on hosting big public events and parties amid the pandemic? Tell us in the comments.