Houston Methodist will give its workers $ 500 ‘Hope’ bonus in early March, said CEO and President Marc Boom

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – The Houston Methodist is offering its employees a $ 500 bonus as a “thank you” for their work during the pandemic.

In a letter sent to hospital staff last week, Houston Methodist President and CEO Dr. Marc Boom said the bonus will be given to employees in early March, but there are certain criteria that workers must meet.

“The eligibility criteria will include the vaccination COVID-19, fulfilling [Houston Methodist’s] obligation as health professionals to lead the community, “wrote Boom.

Although vaccination is not yet mandatory for Houston Methodist employees, Boom said it will be “eventually”.

“We recognize the vital importance of all of us being vaccinated to protect our patients, our community, ourselves and our family and friends,” said Boom. “Additional discussion is ongoing on the small number of employees who cannot safely receive the vaccine.”

According to the Houston City Department of Health, the city’s COVID-19 positivity rate is the highest since its peak in July, at 13.9%.

“We need to stop the spread NOW so that our hospital system can keep up,” said a tweet from the health department.