North Texans can now win a prize if they sign up to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Dallas Regional Chamber has started a campaign to convince more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Through Monday, the Texas Department of State Health Services says 40.8% of residents are fully vaccinated, below the nationwide average of 46.8%.
"We've got our work cut out for us," says Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. "Things like this will help. It's education; it's incentive."
The Dallas Regional Chamber has launched TakeCareofBusinessDFW.org . People who register can win prizes from local businesses.
People must be vaccinated with at least one dose between June 6 and August 31 and live in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin or Denton County. Drawings will take place July 30 and September 7.
Prizes include tickets to Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars and Wings games; Texas Rangers games; and FC Dallas matches. The Cowboys will also give away 12 VIP passes for AT&T Stadium tours. The teams will also give away merchandise, including a signed Luka Doncic jersey from the Mavs.
"Full capacity would not be possible without vaccines," says Mavs Foundation President Katie Edwards. "This isn't just about sports. The Mavs Foundation is dedicated to building a stronger community, and that includes vaccines."
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is giving 24 roundtrip tickets; Fort Worth-based American is giving 30 AAdvantage Mile certificates, each for 25,000 miles.
"We know vaccines are helping us beat COVID-19," says American's Billy Glunz. "They're helping us resume the activities we've all been longing for, reconnecting with friends and family and, of course, traveling."
Related
According to the Dallas Regional Chamber, revenue for small businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees, is currently 31% below normal in Dallas and 27% below normal in Fort Worth. The Chamber says the number of small businesses in both Dallas and Fort Worth has dropped by about a third since the pandemic started.
The Small Business Administration says 40% of gross domestic product comes from small businesses, amounting to $231 billion in North Texas.
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