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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Delaware unveils vaccination incentive program

Sophia Schmidt
/
Delaware Public Media

The state is now offering prizes to people who get the jab. Gov. John Carney announced the start of an incentive program for COVID vaccinations Tuesday called "DE Wins!" 

 

  

Delawareans vaccinated in the next month will be entered to win prizes - including $5,000 cash, a four-day vacation, a full scholarship to a public Delaware university, tickets to Firefly Music Festival and several others.

To qualify an individual over the age of 12 must get the vaccine between now and June 30th. All Delawareans between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received the vaccine to date already qualify.

The Delaware Lottery will conduct twice-weekly drawings on Mondays and Fridays over the next few weeks.

And all Delawareans who received the vaccine to date qualify for a $302,000 cash prize and two low-number Delaware license plates to be given out on June 30th through the Delaware Lottery.

“We wanted to make this fun. We wanted to make it very Delaware," said Carney. "$302,000 grand prize for anyone who has been vaccinated. Delaware wins. We Win 302. And, of course, everyone knows how much people enjoy the low-digit numbers.”

The Delaware Division of Small Business is also setting aside funding for small businesses that want to offer incentives. It will give grants of up to $5,000 to as many as 200 small businesses that offer rewards for getting the vaccine.

The state has set aside a $5 million budget for the campaign, and Carney says he expects it to be covered with federal funds. 

Carney notes this comes as the average number of Delawareans vaccinated each day has declined for about a month.

“As you accommodated those who were motivated to get vaccinated, then you have some that are a little bit hesitant, some that are more hesitant and some that don't want to be vaccinated at all. We’re trying to get to each of those populations and get them over the line,” he said.

Carney says the goal is to reach a 70 percent vaccination rate in the coming weeks. As of Monday, about 65 percent of Delawareans 18 or older have received at least one shot of vaccine.
 

This story has been updated

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