Houston Methodist to give workers $ 500 “Hope” bonus in early March, says CEO and President Marc Boom

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

In a letter 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.

“Eligibility criteria will include obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination, compliance [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 be “eventually.”

“We recognize the vital importance of vaccinating everyone to protect our patients, the community, ourselves and our family and friends,” Boom said. “Further discussions are underway on the small number of employees who cannot receive the vaccine safely.”

According to the Houston Department of Health, the COVID-19 positivity rate is the highest since it peaked in July at 13.9%.

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