A series of raffles to reward people who have had the Covid-19 vaccine was unveiled yesterday in a bid to encourage the public to get the jabs.

The Back to Business Community Giveaway, created by the Bermuda Health Council in collaboration with the Bermuda Hotel Association, will offer a range of prizes in twice-daily raffles to be held from tomorrow until June 8.

Ricky Brathwaite, the CEO of the BHeC, said one raffle will be drawn for those who got their first jab before yesterday and a second would include only people who had got their first jab the day before the raffle is drawn.

Dr Brathwaite told the public: “If you received your vaccine jab before today, you will have an opportunity every day for the next eight days to win a prize.

“If you receive your vaccine today or any day for the next 8 days, you will be included in the pool who will have a chance to win the prize of the day.

“At the end of the eight days there will be a grand finale prize that everyone will be eligible for.”

He said that the winners would be selected in a random draw based on the registration numbers given at vaccination centres around the island.

Winners will be notified by public health officials to ensure confidentiality.

Dr Brathwaite said several island business had agreed to support the drive with prizes, which include meals and stays at hotels.

He added: “The BHeC sees the Back to Business Community Giveaway as another chance to thank the community for their patience and resilience for the past 18 months.

“We know that this time has been challenging financially and emotionally for many.”

Stephen Todd, the CEO of the Bermuda Hotel Association, said the organisation was happy to be involved.

He added prizes included weekend stays with dinner at Coco Reef in Paget and the Grotto Bay Resort in Hamilton Parish, golf and dinner at Rosewood Bermuda, Tucker’s Point and dinners at Cambridge Beaches in Sandys and The Reefs in Southampton.

Mr Todd said that the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club had offered function areas for hotel workers and others to get their vaccines between Thursday and Sunday.

He added: “The objective is to help assist the BHeC, the Department of Health and the Bermuda Government with this important programme.

“They will be providing their Princess Rooms for vaccinations over the coming days.”

People who get their jabs at the Hamilton Princess will also be given a 50 per cent discount voucher for Sunday brunch at the hotel.

The Hamilton Princess has also donated prizes for the raffle, including weekend breaks at the hotel.

Mr Todd said about half of the island’s hotel workers had returned to work after the pandemic lockdown crippled the industry last year.

He added higher vaccination rates would help the tourism industry.

Mr Todd said: “It provides a boost of confidence for our incoming visitors.

“Clearly if you are going to be travelling internationally, it is in everyone’s best interest to be immunised.

“We also believe it provides a second level of protection for our industry colleagues, as well as their families and the wider community.”

Dr Brathwaite added that, since the Close to Home mobile vaccination programme was launched less than five weeks ago, 2,200 patients had been given the Pfizer vaccine – including more than 1,700 who got their first shot.

He thanked a range of businesses for their support for the programme, including Axa XL, Willis Towers Watson, Chubb, Zurich, The Argus Group, the Frontline Foundation, Red Laser, Kenny’s Kitchen, Auto Solutions and MarketPlace.

Dr Brathwaite also thanked minibus firm Ariel Corporate Charters and taxi drivers for their transport services to and from the clinics, as well as volunteers and DJs for their contributions.