Whether it be by selling bulk items like hand sanitizer or hoaxing people into buying fake COVID tests, COVID-19 has been a way for people to profit off of others fears or their own wellbeing. The only thing that can be trusted is official tests from companies as well as going to approved clinics like CVS to either buy tests, get tested or receive the vaccine.

On Jan 29, two nurses in Long Island, New York were accused of making $1.5 million by selling forged vaccination cards. The nurse who owns “Wild Child Pediatric Healthcare” Julie DeVuono and assisting employee Marrissa Urraro not only sold the fake vaccination cards but entered incorrect data into the New York database on the COVID-19 Vaccines. They were later officially charged with one count of second degree forgery and one count of offering a false instrument for filling. 

On Feb 2, NBC New York reported, “Between Nov. 2021 and Jan. 2022, the trio allegedly forged vaccine cards, charging $220 for adults and $85 for children. At their arraignment, prosecutors also accused the duo of writing fake cards for undercover detectives who did not receive a COVID-19 vaccine.”

Not only were these nurses giving fake vaccination cards but they were also charging a lot of money for them. This is only one of many examples of deceptive acts, but since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been inaccurate or false COVID tests that were sold and marketed by just about anyone. The fake vaccination cards not only create unsafe spaces for required establishments but it also messes up the number on who is actually vaxxed and who is not.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that they have “also seen unauthorized fraudulent test kits for COVID-19 being sold online. You will risk unknowingly spreading COVID-19 for not getting treated appropriately if you use an unauthorized test.”

Trusted organizations like the FDA have made reports and warnings on these fake tests being sold online and the dangers that it poses for others. If students use these fake tests and fake vaccination cards, the rest of the school is in danger due to false reports. If this has happened in large numbers in every city and not just Long Island, there would be no point to the vaccination cards if a portion of them are fake and without vaccines.

Through the end of January and the end of February, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has been administering official COVID tests as well as proper masks in order to fight the holiday surge and the return to in person learning.

This can not only have trusted results but ensures that students wouldn’t be in direct contact with people who tested positive; therefore, the students’ health and wellbeing is maintained.