That Gov. Scott set a goal of dropping all COVID-19 restrictions once the state hits 80% of Vermonters vaccinated is a worthy strategy for getting stragglers into and through the vaccination program. It’s also kind-of fun: there’s a reward for helping the state’s common good.

Moreover, the governor says he’s not stopping the push once the state hits 80%; getting as many Vermonters vaccinated as possible is the ideal goal he says, and who can disagree? The more thoroughly Vermonters are vaccinated, the less likely we will catch and/or spread the virus.

We’d even advocate for a county-by-county contest, maybe with a prize: say, the first county to 85% gets a visit by the governor and is profiled in an upcoming regional tourism promotion? Who knows, if the state effort is clever enough and Vermonters join in the fun, we’re likely to draw national attention for being healthy, community-minded and caring of each other in a fun, productive way — and that’s a win-win story for the state.

Angelo Lynn