Houston Methodist to give its employees $ 500 ‘Hope’ bonus in early March, CEO and President Marc Boom says

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 sent to hospital staff last week, Houston Methodist president and CEO Dr. Marc Boom that the bonus will be given to employees at the beginning of March, but there are certain criteria that employees must meet.

Eligibility criteria include getting a COVID-19 vaccination [Houston Methodist’s] obligation as health professionals to lead the community, ‘Boom wrote.

While vaccination isn’t yet mandatory for Houston Methodist employees, Boom said it will be “eventually.”

“We recognize the vital importance of vaccination to protect our patients, our community, ourselves, and our family and friends,” said Boom. “Discussions continue on the small number of workers who cannot safely receive the vaccine.”

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

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