Chicago renting 2,000 rooms for quarantine patients
The city of Chicago is renting up to 2,000 rooms to house covid-19 patients who do not require hospital treatment.
The hotels are being used for people with coronavirus but don’t have symptoms that require hospital care.
They will also house residents who cannot self-isolate at home and those waiting on test results.
"This move is an acknowledgment that people in our city have diverse and difficult living conditions. Simply staying home is not a strong possible option for everyone," said Allison Arwady, public health commissioner.
The city is taking this measure to ease strain on local hospitals and help to curb the spread of the virus.
The mayor’s office told the Chicago Tribune that it is spending $175 per night to rent each hotel room inclusive of three meals a day.
"These companies and workers stepping up at this time should be held in the highest regard. They are playing an incredibly important role in slowing the spread of this pandemic," said department of housing commissioner Marisa Novara.
Hotel staff will undergo special training but won’t directly interact with the guests.
Patients will be monitored by Chicago Department of Public Health officers.
Illinois has reported nearly 1,300 cases and 12 deaths.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025