ANCHORAGE (AP) — State officials are hoping that a weekly lottery prize will encourage more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Alaska Chamber and state officials announced Sept. 2 that they are offering $49,000 each to one newly vaccinated adult and one youth weekly through Oct. 30.

Those vaccinated before Sept. 2 won’t be left out. There will be a one-time prize of $49,000 awarded to an adult and also to a young person who rolled up their sleeves before the contest started.

Kati Capozzi, the state chamber’s president, in a statement urged vaccination “to protect our economy and gi...