Macau casino operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd is to give MOP1,000, about USD125 to each of its local staff that gets vaccinated against Covid-19.

Those accepting the offer also have the opportunity of taking part in a draw to win one of six cash prizes each worth MOP1 million. The lucky draw would come into effect “once the company reaches certain immunity targets,” said the company.

The firm stated it had budgeted MOP16 million for the initiative, which it called an “immunity incentive programme to encourage colleagues suitable for the Covid-19 vaccine to become fully vaccinated.”

Melco Resorts said in the press release: “With immunity now established as a key company objective, Melco is supporting the government’s efforts towards this.”

It added: “In addition, the company continues to arrange shuttle transportation for colleagues to attend vaccination appointments and grants two full days of paid vaccine leave.”

Macau government announced earlier last week it will offer workplace vaccination to employees of two other casino firms: at MGM Macau from May 24 to 25, and at Sands Macao from May 31 to June 3.

In the general Macau population, 90,267 people, so far out of more than 682,500 inhabitants recorded at the end of the first quarter, have had at least one jab against Covid-19, according to government data. That is about 13% of the population.

Lawrence Ho, chief executive of Melco Resorts, was cited in the press release as saying the operator’s commitment to creating a “safe environment and contributing to the government’s goal of achieving herd immunity,” was demonstrated by the resources it was dedicating to its “immunity incentive program”.

Editing by Rachel Hu