CA Hotels Volunteer 145,000 Rooms for COVID-19 Response

Unprecedented Action by 1,100 Hotels Aids State’s Health Needs

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 1,100 California hotels have volunteered 145,000 rooms to the California Department of Public Health and other agencies as temporary shelter to support the state’s COVID-19 response, the California Hotel and Lodging Association (CHLA) announced today.

This unprecedented response represents about 24 percent of all California hotel rooms available to protect and isolate population segments vulnerable to the coronavirus outbreak, as well as housing first responders and healthcare workers who may not be able to go home to their families. Available hotel rooms have grown exponentially over the last several weeks as various levels of the government have worked together with the hotels to expedite the contracting process and get rooms online.

“Our hotels immediately stepped up for our communities from the beginning of this pandemic,” said Lynn S. Mohrfeld, President and CEO of CHLA. “We’ve worked closely with Gov. Newsom and critical state agencies to coordinate available hotel rooms as quickly and safely as possible.”

Since Gov. Newsom declared a State of Emergency on March 4, 10,484 hotel rooms have been volunteered in San Francisco, 19,944 in San Diego and 27,819 in Los Angeles.

California hotel rooms provide shelter for COVID-19 isolation, people experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic violence, elderly populations, and medical personnel fulfilling needs that are determined by public health officials.

About the California Hotel & Lodging Association

Recognized as one of the most influential state lodging associations throughout the country, the California Hotel & Lodging Association's mission is to protect the rights and interests of owners and operators and be their indispensable business resource. Established in 1893, CHLA serves the unique interests of each segment of California's diverse lodging industry.