Houston Methodist, to award his workers a $ 500 ‘Hope’ bonus in early March, says Marc Boom, CEO and president

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

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

“Eligibility criteria will include obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination, which must meet [Houston Methodist’s] obligation as health workers to lead the community, ”Boom wrote.

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

“We realize that it is important that we are all vaccinated to protect our patients, our community, ourselves and our family and friends,” Boom said. “Further discussion is underway about the small number of employees who cannot get the vaccine safely.”

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

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