ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WWJ) -- Each day is feeling more and more “normal” as Michigan continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state on Tuesday peeled back some statewide restrictions, removing all outdoor capacity limit restrictions and increasing indoor limits to 50%. On July 1, Gov. Whitmer will repeal the state’s broad mask and gatherings mandate.
But officials are still urging the public to get vaccinated, and one metro Detroit community is offering up a little incentive.
Royal Oak introduced the “Shots for Shots” campaign on Wednesday to encourage residents to get their shot. Those who get vaccinated at Friday’s walk-in clinic at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market will get a $10 electronic gift card to use at bars or restaurants in downtown Royal Oak.
The clinic will run from noon to 8 p.m., with no appointments necessary, though residents can register online so officials can make sure they have enough doses.
Oakland County Commission Chairman Dave Woodward was on-hand Wednesday at the The Rock on Third, where officials announced the program, and he tells WWJ they are targeting the younger age groups, who remain among the lowest vaccination rates in the area.
“The reality is that they’re also some of the groups that’s moving around the community the most and can spread this, so let’s get vaccinated,” Woodward said. “The sooner that we as a community get to 70%, the sooner that we can get back to normal.”
While the campaign is targeted at the younger crowd, officials say the Royal Oak Downtown Dollars can be used at 70 local businesses in downtown Royal Oak and all eligible people -- those 12 years or older -- will be welcomed to get their vaccines at the event.
MedNext will administer the vaccines and is scheduled to return to the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market three weeks later to administer the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine for anyone vaccinated.