NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — After a $100 incentive was offered to New Yorkers to receive their first COVID-19 shot, Mayor Bill de Blasio said over 11,000 took the offer.
"Eleven-thousand people in just a few days," he said in his Tuesday briefing. "This is going to be a big deal and this is going to help us go a lot farther."
De Blasio announced the $100 offer last week amid new efforts to combat the rising delta variant, providing some still resistant a reward for their willingness to stop the spread.
The mayor said more than 5 million New Yorkers have now had their first vaccine jab and he is committed to increasing this number with new mandates.
This includes requiring proof of vaccinations to take full advantage of indoor dining, bars, live performances, events, gyms and more by Sept. 13.
"If you're vaccinated, all that's going to open up to you. You'll have the key," de Blasio added. "You can open the door. But, if you're unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things."
Those looking for their $100 reward can arrange an appointment at vax4nyc.nyc.gov. After receiving their first dose, New Yorkers can then claim their "prize" at vax4nyc.nyc.gov/incentives.