All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia announces big cash, trucks, and scholarships among top prizes in upcoming vaccination incentive lottery

Money

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced Thursday that the State of West Virginia will soon be giving away a million-dollar grand prize, additional cash prizes, college scholarships, pick-up trucks, and much more through a series of upcoming lottery drawings for West Virginians who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

“There are going to be so many wonderful prizes that you can win, it will blow you away,” Justice said. “We are going to make a few West Virginians millionaires before this is over. Some people will win trucks and scholarships and on and on, but we’ve got to get you vaccinated first.”

The first lottery drawing will be held on West Virginia Day, June 20; the State’s 158th birthday.

Specific details about the incentive package are still being finalized with additional details coming next week. All West Virginians who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible to enter to win one of the many prizes that will be made available.

“Not only are a bunch of people going to win all kinds of great stuff, but, by getting vaccinated, it’ll protect your life and it’ll protect your family and friends all around you,” Justice said, adding that the slogan for the program will be “Save a life; change your life.”

Also, online registration is now open for the “Beat 588…Bad” West Virginia Strong Vaccine Incentive Program.

All West Virginians ages 16-35 who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are now able to register online to receive either a $100 savings bond or a $100 gift card.

The $100 incentive is retroactive, meaning all West Virginians ages 16-35 who have received the COVID-19 vaccine at any point are eligible.

Since registration first opened last Thursday, a grand total of 20,527 registrations have been submitted.

In addition, the Statewide Indoor Face Covering Requirement is still in effect for all West Virginians who are not yet fully vaccinated, and will remain in effect for these individuals until June 20, 2021. Face coverings must still be worn where required by federal law. Additionally, any private business or school system can still require individuals to wear a face covering.

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to all West Virginians ages 12 and older.

All West Virginians interested in being vaccinated are urged to visit Vaccinate.wv.gov or call the West Virginia Vaccine Info Line: 1-833-734-0965. The info line is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held at several West Virginia state parks and forests this coming Memorial Day weekend for employees, employees’ families, and all park guests. The first of these clinics begin tomorrow, however, dates and times may vary by location. To find a vaccination clinic near you, visit the West Virginia State Parks COVID-19 Travel Alert webpage.

Additionally Thursday, Justice took time out of his remarks on COVID-19 to announce that Clarksburg native and Notre Dame High School student Ben Long would be representing West Virginia at the 2021 Poetry Out Loud National Championship Thursday evening.

Long is one of only nine high school students in the country who will compete in the National Finals. After winning the West Virginia Poetry Out Loud Championship in March, Long represented the state at the National Poetry Out Loud Semifinals.

“What an incredible young man,” Gov. Justice said. “Cathy and I wish Ben the best of the best and I know he’ll make us all proud; he already has in every way.”

A total of $50,000 in awards and school or organizational stipends will be given at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, including a $20,000 award for the National Champion.

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