Staff at a hospital in New York City have been given free holidays as a token of gratitude for their tireless work on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Queens-based NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst has been inundated with patients due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, however, their hard work has not gone unseen or unappreciated.
American Airlines and Hyatt Hotels Corporation have recognised the "extraordinary care" the 4,000-strong team of doctors, physicians, nurses and food service professionals have provided to their community, and have decided to offer them a "three-night complimentary vacations to help them recharge and reconnect with their loved ones."
A statement issued by Israel Rocha, the Vice President of NYC Health + Hospitals, reads:
"Our doctors, nurses, and other staff on the front lines of this unprecedented health care crisis really appreciate the outpouring of support from two of America’s major companies, and we look forward to taking advantage of these well-earned vacations in the near future."
The "honoured guests" will be treated to round-trip holidays via priority airfare to selected destinations across the USA and the Caribbean, once government guidelines state it is safe to do so.
Mark Hoplamazian, the President and CEO of Hyatt hotels, said that they believed it was their responsibility to take care of healthcare workers "like members of our own family."
"We are humbled by the health care workers’ dedication to saving lives… we look forward to making their stays special when they are able to take a hard-earned break," he added.
Watch as a 106-year-old woman is applauded for beating the coronavirus:The hospital is reportedly one of the hardest-hit in New York, with ICU capacity having been scaled up by 500% to fight the virus.
In another statement, President of American Airlines, Robert Isom, corroborated:
"Every worker at Elmhurst has seen and experienced challenges many of us cannot imagine. They’ve given so much of themselves and chose to serve their community with care, compassion and equity for every patient.
When they are able to take a break, we hope the time away will help them and their loved ones recharge and that they feel our deepest appreciation for their sacrifice and heroism."