Announces scholarship and $1M incentives

Governor Mike DeWine has asked the Ohio Department of Health to remove most pandemic health orders on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in measures that will include facial covering protocols, social distancing guidelines, and capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor events.

“It is time to end the health orders. It’s been a year. You’ve followed the protocols. You’ve done what we’ve asked. You’ve bravely fought this virus,” said Governor Mike DeWine during a statewide address to Ohioans.

“The timeline will allow any Ohioan who has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine to obtain one to protect themselves and others before the lifting of coronavirus mitigation protocols.”

Governor DeWine said that “and now, our cases are down, and we have a tested and proven weapon with the vaccine that all Ohioans 12 and over can utilize.”

“For a year, Ohioans have made sacrifices to save lives and keep our state moving forward.  What you have done has really worked!  And now, we have a powerful weapon that is almost 100 percent effective in beating the virus.”

“Simply put, the vaccine is stronger and better than medical experts ever imagined.  And now, everyone 12 and over can use it to protect themselves — to put an invisible shield of protection around themselves.  Everyone can now control their own health—their own destiny.” 

Also, in an effort to increase the number of Ohioans who currently have not taken a COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated, Governor DeWine announced a series of statewide drawings to help incentivize vaccinations.

Ohioans under the age of 18 who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into a drawing for a four-year full scholarship to any of Ohio’s state colleges and universities, including full tuition, room, and board.

Ohioans aged 18 and older will be entered into a weekly drawing with a prize of up to $1 million.

A total of five weekly drawings for each prize will take place, with the first winners being announced on May 26th. Winners must have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the date of the respective drawing.

The drawings will be administered by the Ohio Department of Health, with technical assistance from the Ohio Lottery Commission, and will be funded through existing allocations to the Ohio Department of Health of unexpended coronavirus relief funds.