Governor Edwards announces a few incentives for those getting vaccinated in the state.
Edwards began his update with sharing the story of Carla Brown who has vaccinated nearly 1,000 people against COVID-19.
Brown, who is a nurse says that she began her work after the death of her husband David who passed away after contracting COVID-19. Brown says that he got COVID from her work as a nurse.
Following his death, Carla began the work of educating and working with the public on the COVID-19 vaccines. Working with a pharmacy in Baton Rouge, she began knocking on doors and registering people to receive the vaccine and then returning to provide the vaccine.
"There is no excuse that the vaccine is not available," Brown said. "Our goal is to have 2,000 people inoculated before the 4th of July. We still need you to save your love one lives. Please get the vaccine."
Edwards says that Carla was asked to speak to Louisianans several weeks ago but her work with vaccine distribution did not allow her the time until Thursday. He says that there is plenty of vaccine available in the state now for residents who are in need of a vaccination against COVID-19.
The state will begin offering perks that will come with the vaccine. The "Shot For A Shot" campaign will allow for people with proof of vaccinations to receive a free drink at participating restaurants and bars in the month of June.
This perk is only available up to 7 days after vaccination.
Using your vaccine card or LA Wallet digital copy, this month you can receive a free drink(alcoholic or nonalcoholic) at participating restaurants & bars within a week of receiving your COVID shot. Start the summer with a beverage while supporting local restaurants & bars. #lagov pic.twitter.com/6fUaVjWXiF
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) June 3, 2021
"Let's be good neighbors. Get your shot and you can have a drink after," he said.
Another perk is free entry into state parks and historic sites until July 31. This is for all people who are vaccinated, including all visitors from Louisiana and elsewhere, no matter when they got their shot. This perk is provided by the Louisiana Office of Tourism. For more on this perk, those interested can visit lastateparks.com.
The perks are a part of the Bring Back Louisiana Summer initiative. More perks are expected throughout the summer months to help increase vaccinations for Louisiana residents.
Got your COVID-19 vaccine? Enjoy s'more of summer with free entry to state parks and historic sites! Show proof of vaccination and receive free entry for day use to any one of the 21 State Parks or 18 Historic Sites across Louisiana. @SleevesUpLA pic.twitter.com/P9k8eqQiF8
— Louisiana Department of Health (@LADeptHealth) June 3, 2021
“Louisiana’s state parks are beautiful, educational and now free for those who are vaccinated against COVID-19, which is a great way to help Bring Back Louisiana and celebrate our state this summer,” Gov. Edwards said. “I appreciate Lt. Governor Nungesser’s support of the Bring Back Louisiana campaign and for making admission free for the vaccinated."
"As we open our doors to tourists from across Louisiana and the world, we are glad to participate and offer this incentive, that will bring visitors to our beautiful State Parks,” Lt. Gov. Nungesser said.
National reward programs are also in place. Vaccines.gov/incentives is where vaccinated individuals can find those perks.
The state has administered over 3 million vaccines to residents, LDH says. That is one-third of the population.
LDH says they still have a way to go to get more residents vaccinated. They urge that those who have not been vaccinated look at the data and ask questions to trusted health advisers.
Edwards has held weekly press conferences to provide the latest information to residents on the pandemic. Last week, Edwards lifted a number of the remaining restrictions in the state including the mask mandate for schools. Capacity and gathering limits have also been lifted.
Edwards stated that businesses and residents can decide whether they wish to wear a mask if they are fully vaccinated. Masking is still recommended for those who have not received a complete vaccine series.
A livestream can be viewed below:
To see the latest order from the governor, click here
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