Alberta is providing $3 million in money to encourage extra folks to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Premier Jason Kenney introduced Saturday the launch of the “Open for Summer time” vaccine lottery. Three $1-million prizes will probably be accessible for Albertans aged 18 and over who’ve had at the least one dose.
Kenney credited Albertans who’ve already gotten at the least their first dose of vaccine for serving to the province overcome the spring spike of COVID-19. However demand for the vaccine has waned, Kenney stated in a video posted to Twitter that was filmed at an empty rapid-flow vaccine clinic in Edmonton Expo Middle.
Saying the <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpenForSummer?src=hash&ref_src=twsrcpercent5Etfw”>#OpenForSummer</a> lottery!<br><br>In the event you had been pushing aside reserving your first vaccine dose, or ready for a motive to e book, right here it’s:<br>Your shot is your shot at $1 million.<br><br>Ebook now! <a href=”https://t.co/oY4ZqAeg1j”>https://t.co/oY4ZqAeg1j</a> <a href=”https://t.co/kSzWCoWz9z”>pic.twitter.com/kSzWCoWz9z</a>
—@jkenney
“Many locations world wide have launched related lotteries like this as a result of we have to simply nudge those that have not gotten round to getting their vaccines but,” Kenney stated.
The lottery will “pay for itself” if extra persons are vaccinated, Kenney stated, citing billions of {dollars} spent on health-care and help as a result of pandemic over the previous 16 months.
The primary draw for the lottery will happen on the day Alberta hits Stage 3 of its reopening plan, Kenney stated.
On Thursday, the province stepped nearer to a restriction-free summer time when it moved into Stage 2 of its reopening plan.
Stage 3 would start two weeks after 70 per cent of eligible Albertans have had at the least one dose of vaccine.
Eligibility for lottery unclear
It is not clear what the precise guidelines of the lottery will probably be.
Within the video, the premier stated Albertans might enter if they obtain at the least their first dose of vaccine inside every week of 70 per cent of eligible Albertans getting their first dose.
Nonetheless, a information launch despatched by the province stated all Alberta residents over the age of 18 who’ve acquired at the least one dose of vaccine can register.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of well being, stated on Thursday that if there’s a alternative to supply a lottery, anybody who has their first dose can enter, not solely individuals who get their first dose after the lottery is introduced.
CBC Information reached out for touch upon the lottery Saturday. The premier’s workplace stated particulars on how one can register will probably be introduced on Monday.
