"Up to 1.5 Billion Won Apartment as a Prize..." Global Surge in 'Vaccine Incentives'

A 1.5 billion won apartment appeared in Hong Kong as a 'COVID-19 vaccine lottery' prize.
[Photo by SCMP website capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] As COVID-19 vaccination campaigns have gained momentum, countries around the world are utilizing so-called 'vaccine incentives' that offer various benefits to vaccinated individuals to increase vaccination rates. Recently, a 150 million KRW apartment in Hong Kong was featured as a 'COVID-19 vaccine lottery prize.'

According to local media reports on the 29th (local time), Hong Kong real estate conglomerates such as Sino Group and Chinese Estates Holdings jointly announced the day before that they would provide prizes to encourage COVID-19 vaccination.

The grand prize is a new one-bedroom apartment with an area of 42㎡, priced at 10.8 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately 155 million KRW). Additionally, 20 people will be selected by lottery to receive 100,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 14 million KRW) each.

To participate in the lottery, adults aged 18 or older must have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Moreover, not only Hong Kong citizens but also foreigners holding Hong Kong work visas can participate in the 'vaccine lottery' event.

Local media reported that the prize offerings by real estate developers have sparked interest in Hong Kong, stating, "While countries like the United States have implemented various vaccine incentive policies ranging from cash to free food and beer, offering an apartment holds a unique significance in Hong Kong, where housing is severely scarce."

Abigail Bergenske (22) was selected as the first winner of the 'Vax-a-Million' lottery introduced for vaccinated individuals in Ohio, USA.
[Photo by CNN]

In the United States, the number of states introducing 'vaccine lotteries' that award cash prizes to vaccinated individuals is increasing, and the first winner of a COVID-19 vaccine lottery worth 110 million KRW has emerged in Ohio.

According to foreign media on the 27th, Abigail Burgenske (22) won the 'Vax-a-Million' lottery introduced by Ohio for vaccinated individuals. She said, "I want to encourage everyone to get vaccinated," adding, "Winning 1 million dollars is a sufficient reward."

On the previous day, Ohio held a drawing among about 2.7 million vaccinated entrants, selecting one winner for the 1 million dollar (approximately 112 million KRW) prize and one for college tuition support. The 1 million dollar prize went to Burgenske, and the college tuition support was awarded to 14-year-old male student Joseph Costello.

Meanwhile, countries around the world are implementing various 'vaccine incentive' policies beyond financial benefits. According to foreign media on the 28th, the U.S. White House recently partnered with dating apps Match, Tinder, and Bumble regarding vaccine incentives.

These dating apps have enabled users to indicate their vaccination status in their profiles and will offer 'premium content' to increase the chances of matches for vaccinated members.

Jerusalem, Israel, announced an inter-school vaccination program targeting high school juniors and seniors to encourage student vaccination. Students from the school with the highest vaccination rate will receive tickets to cultural events.

Saudi Arabia chose to impose disadvantages on unvaccinated individuals instead of incentives, banning them from pilgrimage and restricting access to public transportation and public places.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government also announced its 'vaccine incentive' policy on the 26th. Starting in June, individuals who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be exempt from the limit on the number of people allowed at immediate family gatherings. Currently, up to eight people are allowed at such gatherings, but vaccinated individuals are excluded from this count.

Additionally, according to the government announcement, from July, those who have received the first dose will be allowed to remove masks outdoors in places such as parks and hiking trails, and will not be subject to capacity limits when using outdoor multi-use facilities or participating in regular religious activities.

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