Airbnb is offering free accommodations for medical professionals fighting the coronavirus outbreak in Italy and France. It launched Airbnb for Doctors and Nurses on March 18 in Italy, where the company will cover the costs and fees associated with the stays for up to two months. The local host organization OspitalMI oversees the booking process and helps match medical professionals to appropriate accommodations.
On Tuesday, in partnership with the French government, Airbnb expanded the company's Open Homes program in that country to connect medical staff and caregivers with free places to stay offered by local Airbnb hosts. Open Homes allows hosts to open their accommodations to provide free, temporary housing for those "going through a difficult time." Airbnb will waive the fees for the stays and will give €50 to hosts to help with cleaning costs.
The company is following the impacts of the initiatives to see if they can be applied to other locations, a company spokesperson said in an email.