New York City is the epicenter of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and both Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio have called on medical professionals from across the nation to help fight the virus. A few airlines have responded by offering free flights to New York and other states for healthcare workers willing to travel in order to help treat patients.
Airlines Offering Free Flights for Medical Volunteers
An overflow hospital has been set up at the Javits Convention Center and the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort is also in NYC treating patients. The US military is sending medical teams to the area and any other professionals are being asked to assist.
“I am asking health care professionals across the country, if you don’t have a health care crisis in your community, please come help us in New York right now,” Gov. Cuomo said.
JetBlue and United quickly started offering free flights to healthcare professionals flying to New York to fight the coronavirus and Delta recently expanded its program to include free flights to New York in addition to other areas that are hard hit such as Georgia, Louisiana, and Michigan.
“Our healthcare workers are heroes, and they need reinforcements,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.”
United has also partnered with California Governor Gavin Newsom to offer free flights to California for medical professionals.
"I want to thank United Airlines for stepping in in a big way to help health care professionals. We couldn't be more grateful for their largesse and support," said Gov. Newsom.
Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines is also offering free flights on any of its current routes to healthcare workers traveling through the end of April that are assisting in the COVID-19 combat. Just email HealthcareFlights@suncountry.com with a photocopy of your work ID and verification from the hospital or organization you are supporting.
Eligible healthcare professionals who wish to volunteer can find more information and registration info by following the links below for each state.
- California: Register with the California Health Corps
- New York: Help Now NYC | Department of Health for New York State
- Georgia: Email providers@gema.ga.gov
- Louisiana: Email Louisiana Hospital Association at LHA-HealthPro@lhaonline.org
- Michigan: Visit michigan.gov for more info.
Once volunteers have applied with the appropriate departments, contact the airline directly for a free roundtrip flight to the area in need.
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