#FirstRespondersFirst announced IHG Hotels & Resorts as a nationwide hospitality partner, providing free accommodation at hotels across the United States for front-line COVID-19 first responders. #FirstRespondersFirst is an initiative between the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Thrive Global and the CAA Foundation.
While most of the nation’s residents are encouraged to shelter in place, first responders, ranging from physicians and nurses to home-care workers, social workers and beyond, are in the field providing critical care during this global emergency. #FirstRespondersFirst helps provide essential protective equipment, accommodations, child care, food, mental-health support, and other resources to this demographically and socially diverse workforce.
Click here for all of Hotel Management's COVID-19 coverage
As part of this partnership, first responders will have access to a dedicated VIP reservation service from IHG, which will match local needs with nearby hotels. With nearly 4,000 IHG hotels across the country, these first responders can rest and recharge near the medical facilities at which they work, with accommodation costs (up to 50 million IHG Rewards Club points) covered by IHG.
“As communities around the world respond to COVID-19, we’re honored and privileged to play our part and help those who are taking care of our loved ones and neighbors. #FirstRespondersFirst is unique because it addresses the broad needs of this critical group of people and being part of a bigger solution is how we think about the support we provide communities,” said Keith Barr, IHG’s CEO. “We look forward to welcoming these critical frontline teams and delivering the True Hospitality they deserve when they need it most.”
Throughout the response to COVID-19, IHG has been working closely with governments and organizations across the globe to welcome front-line workers and those in need of guestrooms during this time. All IHG-branded hotels are required to adhere to comprehensive health and safety procedures, including all local laws. In addition, hotels have been provided with additional COVID-19 cleanliness specific guidance, training and information from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and relevant authorities.