New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference, Monday, May 10, 2021 in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, Pool)
By Marina Villenueve
Anyone who gets vaccinated at select state-run vaccination sites in New York next week will receive a lottery scratch ticket with prizes potentially worth millions, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo tries to boost slowing vaccination rates.
The pilot program will offer prizes from $20 up to $5 million and run from Monday, May 24 to Friday, May 28 at 10 state-run sites, Cuomo said Thursday.
“It's a situation where everyone wins,” Cuomo said at a press conference in Buffalo.
The governor said there's a one in nine chance of winning a scratch ticket prize in New York, which is joining other states, including Ohio, with similar lottery incentives. Only residents 18 and older are eligible, according to a press release.
New York also plans to set up pop-up vaccination sites at seven airports across the state for U.S. residents, including airport workers.
New York has fully vaccinated about 43% of its 20 million residents, above the national average of 37.8%.
Still, Cuomo said the pace of vaccinations has slowed: New York has recorded an average of 123,806 daily shots in arms over the past 14 days. That's down 43% from 216,040 as of April 12.
The first trailer for Wes Anderson's latest, Asteroid City, just dropped. Quinta Brunson is starring in an SNL promo, and Rachel Weisz is taking over Jeremy Irons' role in a remake of director David Cronenberg's Dead Ringers.
This musician serenades healthcare workers for saving his life. A young gymnast brings more diverse representation to her sport. Eli Manning surprises a seven-year-old cancer patient. Jason Derulo leaves a life-changing tip for an Omaha waiter.
Individuals with special needs shared the stage with professional dancers in a first-of-its-kind performance. A high school basketball player with an upper limb difference shoots for the stars. Seniors respond to reaction to viral Rihanna dance TikTok.
Self-proclaimed “affirmation queen” does not let physical obstacles get in the way of gratitude for life. A bakery owner hires employees with special needs to provide life skills. Man has found a way to combine his two passions- an orthodontist and a vintage vinyl record store owner — under the same roof.
