California State in the US Also Encourages Vaccination with a '130 Billion Won Prize'

10 Lottery Winners Receive 1.7 Billion Won Each
Existing Vaccinated Individuals Also Eligible

[Image source=Getty Images Bank]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] As state governments in the United States are introducing various incentives such as vaccine lotteries to increase vaccination rates, California has also announced large cash prizes.

According to the Associated Press on the 27th (local time), California announced that residents who receive the COVID-19 vaccine by next month 15th will be given a total of $116.5 million (approximately 130 billion KRW) in cash and gift cards. Those who have already been vaccinated are also eligible to win the lottery.

Through the lottery system, 10 vaccinated individuals will each receive $1.5 million (approximately 1.67 billion KRW), and another 30 people will receive $50,000 (approximately 55 million KRW) each. The $1.5 million prize is known to be the largest COVID-19 vaccine-related jackpot in the United States.

Starting today, California will also distribute $50 (approximately 56,000 KRW) in cash or gift cards that can be used to purchase groceries to 2 million vaccinated individuals.

California health authorities explained that this program was designed to promote vaccination and make California safe.

Governor Gavin Newsom of California emphasized at a press conference, "It is how our state can recover from the pandemic for all eligible Californians to get vaccinated."

California plans to normalize its economy by next month 15th through vaccination, but some residents remain skeptical about getting vaccinated.

The state authorities estimate that about 12 million Californians aged 12 and older have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Earlier, on the 10th, Governor Newsom announced that California recorded a budget surplus last year despite the COVID-19 crisis and said he would refund taxes.

Some speculate that this move is an attempt by Governor Newsom, who is facing a recall threat, to gain public favor.

Governor Newsom faced dissatisfaction from restaurant owners and small business operators due to COVID-19 prevention measures. The recall vote against him is expected to take place as early as August.

Meanwhile, several other states in the U.S. are also offering various incentives to encourage vaccination.

New York State announced that it would provide free tickets to Major League Baseball (MLB) games as a means to encourage vaccination.

Ohio announced that in addition to cash prizes through lotteries, it will offer scholarships covering tuition and dormitory fees for vaccinated individuals under 17 years old.

Additionally, United Airlines, a major U.S. airline, announced on the 24th that it will hold a special prize event called "Vaccination for Air Travel" for those who have completed vaccination.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.