COVID-19: Rochester’s Hotels Asked to Rent to Health Care Workers

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester’s lodging industry is being asked to lighten up on policies that reportedly are preventing local health care workers from renting rooms during the coronavirus crisis.

The city is formally asking lodging and hospitality businesses “to temporarily adjust their policies” that prevent managers and staff from renting rooms to local residents.

The city says the “policies protect hoteliers from seeing their rooms destroyed by ill-intentioned guests and other undesirable activity.”

Deputy City Administrator Aaron Parrish says the city has been receiving reports from medical professionals seeking temporary facilities and community members looking for safe spaces to self-quarantine, but they are being turned away from Rochester hotels.

“We understand and respect the local resident policies some hotels have in place,” said Parrish, “but, during these unprecedented times, we are asking that you relax these policies and allow Rochester residents to social distance to protect the health of their families and other members of our community.”

The situation is different in the Twin Cities, based on a story on KSTP.com. The story says several hotels are not only putting out the welcome mat to health care workers they are also offering reduced rates.