You can now enter the vaccination lottery.
California has announced a vaccination lottery. Anyone who has received the necessary doses is immediately entered into a draw. The new scheme aims to incentivize residents to get vaccinated in the next couple of weeks. These cash prizes will be divided three categories and the winners will be announced throughout the coming month before the June 15 reopening date.
“Getting every eligible Californian vaccinated is how we bring our state roaring back from this pandemic,” Governor Newsom said in an announcement. “California has already made incredible progress in the fight against COVID-19, with the lowest case rates in the country, while administering millions more vaccines than any other state. But we aren’t stopping there, we’re doing everything it takes to get Californians vaccinated as we approach June 15 to help us fully reopen safely.”
Here is how the hefty sum will be distributed:
- Ten lucky people will win $1.5 million each (drawn on June 15). Anyone over the age of 12 is eligible but winners the funds will be put into a bank account until the recipient is 18 years of age
- On June 4 and June 11 there’ll be 30 winners for the “$50,000 Fridays” drawings
- The next 2 million people to get vaccinated will get $50 gift cards
The $1.5 million is currently the largest amount being awarded in the nation. This final push to ensure a safe reopening comes after a drop in the number of eligible residents receiving the vaccine. Roughly 12 million Californians 12 and older have not been vaccinated, according to the state. About 63% of the 34 million eligible have gotten shots. However, the numbers have continued to plumet over the àst few weeks.
Officials say the majority of non-vaccinated individuals are in communities that have been hit hardest but the pandemic. Thus scheme is targeted towards providing incentive and aid for those that need it most.
“Some Californians weren’t ready to get their Covid-19 vaccine on day one, and that’s OK. This program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep California safe,” Dr Tomas J Aragon, the director of the state’s department of public health, said in a statement.
Well, it may not be enough to convince some but definitely tops free doughnuts from Krispy Kreme.
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