Global short-term rental platform Airbnb on Wednesday announced its collaboration with Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) to provide doctors and medical staff with secure accommodation in the country while they carry out their vital work in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, GTP Headlines reported.
The initiative is a local expansion of Airbnb’s global ambition to provide housing to 100,000 coronavirus responders, inspired by pilot programs launched in France and Italy.
Through the global initiative, Greek hosts have already offered 500 places to stay.
“Doctors and first responders provide vital support during this pandemic and we want to help them,” said Valentina Reino, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy & Campaign in Italy and Southeast Europe. "We are happy that the program has been strengthened in Greece as well,” she said.
To make it easier for doctors and medical staff to find accommodation while they deal with fighting Covid-19, Airbnb has launched cooperations with businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies.
“We embrace Airbnb’s offer and incorporate it into the effort we are all making together as a society to join forces and support all those working on the frontline, in a spirit of heroism and self-denial, to tackle the pandemic in our country,” EODY President Panagiotis Arkoumaneas said.
Airbnb underlines that accommodation of frontline staff who are exposed to a higher risk of Covid-19 infections requires prevention and strict safety measures.
“The health and safety of the Airbnb community is a key priority for Airbnb,” the company said. Thus, Greek hosts participating in the program must agree to the applicable safety and hygiene guidelines of EODY.
If you are a Greek host and want to offer your listing, please click here. If hosts are not able to host for free, Airbnb will waive booking fees.
*Source: GTP Headlines