Quebec has been investigating innovative ways to get as many people as possible jabbed in the shortest period of time.
Quebec has been looking at innovative ways to encourage people to get COVID-19 vaccines, and the government might have just found the way. Quebec’s health minister, Christian Dubé, noted that he is closely collaborating with the provincial finance minister, Eric Girard, to introduce a lottery incentive programme that aims to encourage more people to get vaccinated.
Premier of Quebec, François Legault, noted that the vaccination rate amongst the younger segment of the population (18-39-year-olds) is trailing behind the rest of the population. Overall, 80 per cent of the population has now received at least one vaccine dose, with 19 per cent being fully vaccinated.
Process Slow Down
Premier Legault discussed the province’s vaccination process this Monday while getting his second vaccine dose at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. The premier noted that Quebec might follow the example of other jurisdictions and introduce vaccination lotto promotions as an incentive to get people to immunise themselves.
The premier added that health minister, Christian Dubé, has been tasked with the initiative. On Monday, the provincial health ministry confirmed that the department is working on a lotto programme, and further details would be announced soon. A health department spokesperson stated that the purpose of the promotion is to get as many people as possible vaccinated with a second dose of the vaccine.
Premier Legault encouraged people who went through the first round of vaccinations to get their second shot as soon as possible. Legault also revealed that the province is working on fixing the issues with the Clic Santé website that prevented individuals from rebooking their second dose appointments. The premier reminded Quebecers that they could mix the vaccines since there is a shortfall with the latest Pfizer deliveries.
Restrictions Lifted
Previously, Quebec announced that it would be easing some of the lockdown restrictions in the province. The move has allowed Loto-Québec to relaunch its land-based gambling venues in the province, all of which were closed last year due to health and safety concerns. Loto-Quebec reported that it would gradually reopen its casinos and gambling halls.
