A $20,000 gift was made to the RiverStone Health Foundation to "incentivize vaccinations in Yellowstone County," and beginning this Thursday (5/13), $50 will be given to the first 400 residents who "get a dose."
Governor Gianforte said he hopes this directive will make it easier for Montana pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccinations more efficiently to residents of the Treasure State.
The average number of positive COVID-19 cases in Yellowstone County has dropped to its lowest level since September 2020, with a plan to have a "large" vaccination event next week.
According to the latest map update as of Monday, January 25, 2021, there have been 14,566 residents of Montana that have been fully immunized statewide.
Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, and RiverStone Health have only received "approximately 2,100 first doses of vaccine," and the demand is currently outpacing the demand, according to UHC.
The press release from RiverStone Health states that residents will be expected to "determine and maintain adequate precautionary measures by virtue of their own judgement."
For residents of the Treasure State having issues with mental health during the pandemic, the feeling of hopelessness can quickly set in if support isn't available.
The Center for Disease Control has already recommended that Americans avoid traveling for Thanksgiving, and any in-person celebrating should only be done "at home with the people you live with."
Earlier this week, Governor Bullock announced that additional restrictions for the state of Montana will go into effect tomorrow (Friday) to help curb the spread of COVID-19.