HOUSTON — Texas Children’s Hospital is honoring the dedication and commitment of their employees with a special stipend this week.
Mark A. Wallace, president and CEO of the hospital, announced full-time employees would receive $500 and part-time employees would receive $250.
“As your President and CEO, I will do everything possible to take care of you, so that you can continue to take care of our patients and families until we are through this pandemic,” Wallace said in a statement released Tuesday morning.
Here is the full statement below:
“As we continue to watch the news and see the devastation this pandemic is causing across the country and around the world – we are understandably worried about the impact this will have on our organization, friends, families, communities, and cities. The next few days, weeks, and months will be critical, and we are going to face some incredible challenges. I know it will not be easy. But we are at our best when things are not easy. We are strong, compassionate, and resourceful, and I’ve never seen any situation that surpassed our determination and our unity. As your President and CEO, I will do everything possible to take care of you, so that you can continue to take care of our patients and families until we are through this pandemic.
“I am incredibly proud and grateful for how hard our entire workforce has continued to persevere in the face of so much uncertainty, especially the caregivers who bravely put themselves on the front lines every day to deliver exceptional care. Many of you are not able to work from your usual Texas Children’s location right now, and it’s tough knowing the best way to stand in solidarity with your colleagues is to stay home and stay safe.
“Please know that I stand with each and every one of you, and want to provide the help, support, and resources you need to get through this. As such, all employees will receive a separate check this Friday with a special stipend of $500 for those working full-time, and $250 for those working part-time. I want to honor your dedication and commitment to our patients, families, and colleagues, so please consider this a form of recognition for all of the professional and personal sacrifices you are making along this journey.
“No matter what lays ahead of us, I know that with faith, strength, kindness, love, and compassion, we will get through this together. I can think of no other organization in the world that has the leadership, tenacity and resolve to manage this crisis and emerge stronger than ever. And though we all look forward to getting back to normal, we will continue to help and lift each other up in this time of need. You are the heart and soul of everything we do at Texas Children’s, and I simply cannot thank you enough for the support you’re providing, wherever you may be. Stay safe and be good to each other.”
MORE ON COVID-19
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, headaches and stomach issues.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Follow social distancing
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.