ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The Antigua and Barbuda government has entered into a partnership with a local company in a campaigned designed at getting nationals vaccinated as part of the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment said it was partnering with Epicurean Fine Foods and Pharmacy in a “One World Protected” campaign offering an EC$50 food voucher to each person receiving a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Gaston Browne warned of the possibility of implementing a mandatory vaccination programme here as he criticised persons who were encouraging others not to participate in the national vaccination programme.

“This is not a threat,” Browne said noting that the pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the socio-economic development of the island since the first case was diagnosed here last March.

In its statement, the ministry said that the voucher is not redeemable for cash or change and must be utilised in one transaction.

Health, Wellness and the Environment Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph said that he is delighted that Epicurean Fine Foods and Pharmacy has come forward to support the government’s drive to reach herd immunity by offering a token to individuals who receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.