ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz on Friday announced a partnership with the Craft Brewers Guild and the Minnesota Distiller Guild which will allow vaccinated adults in the state to get free or discounted drinks.
“Small businesses all over Minnesota have stepped up throughout the pandemic and I’m grateful so many breweries, wineries, and distilleries are now going the extra mile to help keep our state safe and end this pandemic,” the governor said Friday in a statement. “Roll up your sleeves if you haven’t already, get back to your favorite spot, and cheers to the vaccine!”
The program, dubbed “Cheers to the Vaccine,” is aimed at giving vaccine hesitant Minnesotans a reason to get their shots. It follows similar efforts in states like Ohio, where Gov. Mike DeWine previously announced five $1 million drawings for adults who get vaccines in the state.
>> Related: Coronavirus: Ohio governor announces $1M drawing for vaccinated citizens
As part of the campaign, Minnesota residents aged 21 and older who have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose are eligible to get free or discounted drinks at participating establishments from Friday through June 30. Customers will have to provide proof of vaccination to participate.
>> See the full list of participating breweries and distilleries
Nationwide, just under 50% of the total population has gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S., according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 40% of the population -- 132.7 million people -- have so far been fully vaccinated.
>> Related: Coronavirus: Half of U.S. adults fully vaccinated, CDC data shows
Nearly 601,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Minnesota since the start of the pandemic, according to numbers from the state’s health department. About 7,400 people have died of COVID-19 in the state, according to officials.
>> Related: Coronavirus: New COVID-19 cases fall to lowest levels since last June
As of Friday afternoon, 33.2 million COVID-19 cases have been reported across the country, resulting in more than 593,000 deaths, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. Globally, 169 million COVID-19 cases have been reported, resulting in 3.5 million deaths.
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