ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Vaccinated Ohioans must register to win one of five $1 million drawings or five college scholarships in the Vax-a-Million lottery that launches at 8 a.m. today.

Gov. Mike DeWine reviewed the rules of the contest Monday following an earlier press conference with Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud and Director of Lottery Pat McDonald.

“Beginning May 26, we will announce five weekly winners of a drawing for $1 million,” DeWine said.

“All Ohioans 18 years of age or older are eligible. They have to have been vaccinated.

“Also beginning May 26 we’ll announce five weekly winners of a separate drawing for a four-year, full-ride scholarship at one of our state universities,” he continued. “That includes room, board, tuition, books. That is for those between the ages of 12 and 17.”

However, DeWine said there has been one change to the lottery plans since the initial plan last week.

“You have to opt in,” he said. “Visit Ohiovaxamillion.com or you can call the Ohio Department of Health call center, and that number is 1-833-4ASK ODH.

“Get into the system,” he continued. “Once you’re in, you’re in. You do not have to re-register.”

DeWine said the idea originated from the popularity of lotteries among Ohioans.

In other matters during his Monday talk on The Ohio Channel, DeWine said although health restrictions will end June 2, statewide mask orders will continue in congregate settings such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities and settings with large numbers of unvaccinated people such as schools and day care centers. Other businesses will set their own requirements. DeWine said orders will follow recommendations by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Meanwhile, Belmont County Deputy Health Director Robert Sproul said vaccination clinics are proceeding in Belmont County this week, with second doses to be administered to students and staff at Ohio University Eastern and Belmont College. The last vaccination clinic at the Ohio Valley Mall will be held Thursday, with walk-ins accepted from 1-5 p.m.

The Pfizer BioNTech version of the vaccine has been cleared for children as young as 12, and no longer requires extreme cold storage. DeWine said COVID-19 vaccines are now available to any pediatrician’s office.

Frequently asked questions about vaccination of younger recipients can be found on the Ohio Department of Health’s website at coronavirus.ohio.gov. Children younger than 18 must have parental or legal guardian consent.

Sproul said schools with younger grades are contacting his office to arrange vaccination clinics.

In Belmont County there have been a total of 6,308 cases, with 262 people in isolation with active cases or hospitalized. There have been 5,928 recoveries and 118 people have died after being infected with coronavirus.