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A company called Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre in London is looking for 24 individuals who are willing to be injected with the coronavirus in exchange for $4500.
The human guinea pigs — who will receive a battery of tests before being selected — will be given two of the virus’ weaker strains, 0C43 and 229E, which should cause mild respiratory symptoms. They will then be given new or existing vaccines.
Doctors — who will wear protective clothing and ventilators — will analyze the patients’ responses to the vaccine, and the results will help researchers focus on the most effective treatments in order to fast-track them.
Aside from the actual downside of being sick, participants must stay in quarantine for two weeks, eat a restricted diet and avoid human contact and exercise.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MARCH 10: Medical staff, wearing protective gear, take samples from people at a building where 46 people were confirmed to have the coronavirus (COVID-19), at a temporary test facility on March 10, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 131 new cases were reported, with the death toll rising to 54. The total number of infections in the nation tallies at 7,513. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)