'No Lockdown' New York to Pay $100 for Booster Shot Recipients

New York Mayor to Announce Vaccination Benefits by Year-End

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] As the Omicron COVID-19 variant rapidly spreads in the United States, New York City has decided to pay $100 for booster shot vaccinations.

On the 21st (local time), New York City sent text messages to citizens stating that those who get vaccinated at city-operated testing sites by the end of the year will receive $100. The reporter also received the text message.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this measure directly during a COVID-19 status briefing that day. Those receiving their second vaccine dose will also receive $100.

Mayor de Blasio emphasized, "This is the largest booster shot support program in the United States. I want to see New Yorkers' response. Get your booster shot right now and keep your family and this city safe."

Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

Since July, New York City has had a policy of paying $100 for the first vaccination and temporarily expanded the benefit to include booster shots.

New York City's measure came a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified that 73% of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. were due to the Omicron variant.

The infection situation in New York is also worsening. As of the 17th, the positive rate among those tested for COVID-19 in New York City soared to 8%. Amid the spread of the Omicron variant, the positivity rate doubled within a week.

Since New York State and New York City disclosed that five people were initially infected with Omicron, they have not provided detailed infection information, increasing citizens' anxiety.

New York City's current policy is interpreted as proposing a solution through vaccination rather than a full lockdown due to the spread of Omicron.

Mayor de Blasio also stated, "There will be no shutdown. We cannot endure a devastating experience again."

The White House also indicated that President Joe Biden's scheduled COVID-19 response speech would not include a full lockdown, emphasizing vaccination expansion over lockdowns.

That morning, the White House announced measures including the free distribution of 500 million at-home test kits next month and the deployment of 1,000 military medical personnel.