NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A local hotel is giving medical workers a place to rest their head as they work around the clock to fight COVID-19.
Healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients are exhausted. Through a grant from the Buckingham Foundation, the Kimpton Aertson Hotel is opening their doors free of charge to medical workers as some of them don’t want to bring COVID-19 back home to their families.
The midtown hotel wanted to help their neighbors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
“The hotel is providing complimentary rooms for medical personnel as well as doctors and nurses who have come from around the country to help fight the disease in Nashville,” James Garrido said, “So, as of right now we’ve seen about 50 rooms book in the last 24 hours which is awesome.”
Garrido is the general manger of Henley, the hotel’s restaurant. They’re making food every day for people who have fallen on hard times. “We’re really excited to be able to provide nourishment and shelter during this storm of a time, and we’re just hoping that as many people that need it take advantage of it.”
It’s made possible through a partnership with the Nashville Food Project, a charity that tackles the food insecurity problem in our community.
“Since there’s such an unlimited demand right now for good, clean, safe food for everybody, were helping to supplement the amazing work that they already do,” Garrido said.
Like many hospitality businesses, Garrido and part of his team are learning how to adjust to the new normal during the coronavirus crisis.
“Knowing that we’re helping— helps, and makes this a lot easier,” Garrido said.
If you are a healthcare worker, you can make a hotel room reservation by emailing info@aertsonhotel.com.
The Holiday Inn Nashville Vanderbilt is also offering up rooms to Vandy healthcare workers at a significantly discounted rate.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
