The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday updated guidance on how state and local governments spend billions of dollars in aid, including in the $1.9 trillion novel coronavirus rescue plan approved in March.

The U.S. Treasury Department says lotteries, cash payments or other incentives can be used to encourage people to get vaccinated, as long as it is "reasonably expected" to increase vaccination. and the cost is "reasonable" in proportion to the expected public health benefits.

"We encourage states to use their creativity, draw attention to vaccines and get their states and the country back to normal as soon as possible," said Andy Slavett (Andy Slavitt), senior adviser to COVID-19 epidemic response at the White House.

Earlier this month, Ohio was the first to announce a multimillion-dollar prize to encourage people to be vaccinated. Since then, Maryland, New York and Oregon have announced similar plans.