16:01 | Cusco (Cusco region), Sep. 8.
As a way to promote vaccination and economic revival,
Cusco region is exploring the possibility of implementing a COVID-19 passport, which at the same time would grant incentives to individuals who have completed the two doses of the vaccine.
"The only way to convince the population to go to the vaccination centers is by providing incentives and mechanisms to call on people's responsibility and, therefore, we are proposing a COVID-19 passport, as it is already the case in other parts of the world," he remarked.
Benavente explained that COVID-19 passport holders who visit restaurants, shopping centers, among other places, may receive incentives by showing this document and proving that they have received the two doses of the vaccine.
The regional authority noted that the ultimate goal is to implement a mechanism that enables people to get to work and, thus, revive the economy, with all that this implies.
The initiative is also intended to encourage the population to get vaccinated and to demonstrate that they have received the two doses.
Explaining the reasons to introduce a COVID-19 passport, the governor said that even though the region has made progress on first dose vaccinations, there is a gap on second dose shots, which needs to be bridged as soon as possible.
"We need to close the gaps. There are 40, 50, and 60 year olds who still need to get vaccinated. We have moved forward by administering the first dose to over 70% of the population, but the central problem is that people have not returned for their second jab," he affirmed.
(END) JCB/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/8/2021