Some hotels near Quebec hospitals to start hosting coronavirus patients

Hotels close to hospitals in Quebec are preparing to lessen the burden on the province’s health-care system by accommodating patients dealing with mild symptoms of COVID-19.

The Association Hôtellerie Québec (AHQ) announced on Friday that the industry will be “called upon to offer shelter services” at the request of Quebec’s Public Health.

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“With my colleagues from the Association des hôteliers du grand Montréal (AHGM) and the Association hôtelière de la région de Québec (AHRQ), we have contacted several hoteliers to discuss the assistance we could provide,” says Xavier Gret, president and CEO Quebec Hotel Association. “Our hoteliers have mobilized and responded to the call, because they want to contribute to the overall effort. It is important to understand, however, that we have no indication of how much effort will be required.”

Minor and non-infectious coronavirus cases would be moved to a select number of Quebec hotels, which are in close proximity to hospitals to support them, the AHGM said in a statement.

Public Health authorities will be contacting hoteliers directly to help evolve the ongoing situation. Once agreements are secured, Public Health will take charge of the protocol.

“The AHQ works closely with the relevant ministries, both to implement health measures in establishments and to suggest economic aid to entrepreneurs and employees in the hotel sector,” concluded the release.