Coronavirus: Ohio governor announces $1M drawing for vaccinated citizens

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine added an incentive for people to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, announcing a $1 million drawing for state residents 18 and older.

>> Read more trending news

DeWine tweeted his contest on the day he spoke during a rare statewide address to announce that Ohio was lifting its COVID-19 health orders beginning June 2, WEWS reported.

In addition to the $1 million prizes which will be awarded on five consecutive weeks beginning May 26, DeWine announced that students 17-and-under who get vaccinations can enter into a contest to receive scholarships.

To win the $1 million, contestants must be at least 18 on the day of the drawing and must be Ohio residents, DeWine said. Persons must have received at least the first dose of the vaccination before the drawing.

For residents 17-and-under who have been vaccinated, the winner of a drawing will receive a full, four-year scholarship to a state public university, WEWS reported. The scholarship would include tuition, books, room and board, DeWine said.

An online portal to register for the scholarship will be opened on Tuesday.

The contests will be funded from existing federal coronavirus relief funds, WEWS reported. The Ohio Department of Health will sponsor the drawings and the Ohio Lottery will conduct them.

“I know that some may say, ‘DeWine, you’re crazy! This million-dollar drawing idea of yours is a waste of money.’” DeWine said. “But truly, the real waste at this point in the pandemic -- when the vaccine is readily available to anyone who wants it -- is a life lost to COVID-19.”

More coronavirus pandemic coverage:

>> Coronavirus vaccines: CDC separates myths from facts

>> Coronavirus: Should we be wearing two masks when we go out in public?

>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?

>> What are your chances of coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19? This tool will tell you

>> Wash your masks: How to clean a cloth face covering

>> Fact check: Will masks lower the oxygen level, raise the carbon dioxide in your blood?

>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does


On AirYour Georgia Country - North Georgia's Country Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about yourgeorgiacountry.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!