BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a number of incentives to get more Louisiana residents vaccinated against COVID-19 in a press conference this afternoon.
“Shot for a Shot”
A statewide “Shot for a Shot” campaign offering free drinks for people who get vaccinated against COVID-19 will begin in June, officials said Thursday.
Participating businesses will provide a free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink to people who can prove they’ve been fully vaccinated within the previous seven days, the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control said.
Just under 31% of Louisiana residents have been fully vaccinated, compared to 40% nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Several bars and restaurants in New Orleans held “A Shot for a Shot” events in April. Establishments in Baton Rouge also have held such events.
The LA Wallet app or the state-issued vaccination card can be used as vaccination proof, the news release said.
The state office will collect drink tallies from participating bars and restaurants for the Louisiana Restaurant Association, which will provide partial reimbursements.
No taxes will go toward the reimbursements, it said.
The campaign will run “between June 1 and June 30 or until funds are exhausted,” the statement said.
Free state parks visits
Louisiana is adding free entry to state parks and historic sites as a perk for getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday.
Unlike the free drinks available this month at some bars and restaurants around the state, the free admission runs through July for anyone who can prove full vaccination, no matter when, he said.
About 32% of all eligible state residents have been fully vaccinated, he said. That compares with 41.2% nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The state parks freebie is part of Louisiana’s “Bring Back the Summer” initiative, Edwards said. He also noted that there are numerous nationwide incentives listed at www.vaccines.gov/incentives.html.
“Stay tuned for more incentives and rewards that will be offered in the near future,” he added.
