NEW YORK (WBEN) - The COVID positivity rate across New York State continues to plummet, currently standing at .7%, the lowest figure since August 30.
According to Governor Andrew Cuomo Wednesday, 64% of New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 55% have completed their vaccine series. However, he noted that the state has seen a 47% decline in the number of people coming in for vaccinations.
The governor pointed to 12-17 year olds as the group with the greatest need for more shots in arms, saying this population represents 5% of the current tests, but make up 10% of the positivity rate, which is the highest differential of any age group.
As a way to incentive this age group, and their parents, Cuomo announced a major initiative - "Get a Shot, and Make Your Future."
"We will raffle off on a weekly basis full scholarships to any public college or university for four years," said Cuomo. "It will be just among 12-17 year olds who come in and get their shot.
"Tomorrow through July 7, any 12-17 year old who gets their first Pfizer dose, we will award 10 four-year scholarships by a random drawing of those people who got the vaccine every Wednesday," Cuomo continued. "It is an incentive for students who are planning on going to college..."
There will be a total of 50 scholarships given away, and they can apply to any SUNY, CUNY or community college.
"People who receive their vaccine earlier have a greater chance to win because they would be eligible for every drawing every week," said Cuomo. "Get the vaccine and get it early; it makes total sense; it's free; it's available; there's no appointments; it's smart, and you also have a chance to win a full scholarship."
