(TAN): Airbnb is launching a pilot program to help medical professionals in Italy access free accommodation provided by hosts, as they fight the unprecedented coronavirus outbreak.
From floods to earthquakes, the Airbnb community has a long history of providing accommodation to those in need when the worst happens. In light of the extraordinary events unfolding in Italy and across the world, Airbnb will continue this effort and work with hosts to support medical professionals as they work on the frontlines to save lives.
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“Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected by the coronavirus outbreak and we have made it our priority to work with the Airbnb community to provide what support we can. We are encouraging medical professionals in need of a place to stay – and hosts who can offer entire home accommodation for free – to visit airbnb.it/medicieinfermieri as soon as possible, so we can work together to help get medics to where they are most urgently needed,” said Giacomo Trovato, General Manager for Airbnb in Italy.
Airbnb will cover the cost of fees associated with the stays for up to 2 months.
Airbnb is also partnering with a local host organization – OspitaMI – to oversee the bookings process. It will help to match medical professionals to appropriate accommodation provided by hosts, while providing all necessary support to both parties.
“We want to thank medical professionals everywhere who are fighting the outbreak and join with the Airbnb community to help support them in these difficult times,” said Trovato. “We will constantly monitor the impact of this initiative and see if learnings can be applied to other markets.”
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Any medical professional in need of accommodation as they fight the coronavirus outbreak should visit airbnb.it/medicieinfermieri and provide their details. A member of host the organization OspitaMI will contact her/him and help match her/him to accommodation provided by hosts. The accommodation will be completely free for up to 2 months.
Hosts that can offer entire homes for free to medical professionals in need of a place to stay should also visit airbnb.it/medicieinfermieri and provide their details. A member of the host organization OspitaMI will contact them when their accommodation is requested by a medical professional and will guide them through the process to get a full reimbursement by Airbnb.
