Get a jab, win a condo: Hong Kong tries vaccine incentives

Coronavirus vaccine incentives offered by Hong Kong companies, including a lucky draw for an apartment, a Tesla car and even gold bars, are helping boost the city’s sluggish inoculation rate

HONG KONG -- Like many in Hong Kong, Jason Chan had no immediate plans to get vaccinated against COVID-19. For the finance professional, there seemed to be no pressing need, with travel restrictions still in place and no major outbreak at home. But Chan had a change of heart when he heard that one of the city’s property developers was offering a lucky draw with a grand prize of a one-bedroom condominium. The day the draw was announced, he went online and made a booking to get vaccinated. “It’s a chance to win a free apartment,” he reasoned. He is one of thousands of Hong Kong residents who have rushed to make vaccination appointments after private companies, encouraged by the government, announced a slew of incentives for vaccinated residents, including the chance to win gold bars or a new Tesla.