Singapore: Ascott is providing homes for healthcare workers, returning nationals, guests who are affected by border closures or city lockdowns, migrant workers and others who have been stranded due to COVID-19.
CEO Kevin Goh said: “In these unprecedented times, COVID-19 has changed the way the world lives tremendously. For Ascott, we must be nimble to adapt to this evolving pandemic. As a responsible lodging company, Ascott has stepped up to support various countries’ national efforts to combat COVID-19. We are lending our lodging expertise to provide safe abodes to our guests as well as affected communities who need alternative accommodation. We are galvanising staff across the company to support our frontline colleagues in braving this challenging time together. Across the world where we operate, we stand in solidarity with the local communities to ride through this. Our doors and hearts remain open, and we look forward to welcoming our guests home.”
In Singapore, when travel restrictions were introduced, many returning nationals found themselves a home with Ascott. Ascott has also contributed its management and operational expertise as a lodging provider to enhance Singapore’s response to COVID-19; helping to care for healthy individuals in alternative accommodations. In the case of Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home, Ascott, with support from CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), provided complimentary accommodation for the care staff who were displaced from their homes by their landlords amidst the COVID-19 situation.
Senior staff nurse Sandar Swe of Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home, said: “We were at a loss when our landlords expressed their concerns, leaving us to find alternative accommodation overnight. We appreciate our management and CapitaLand in assisting and providing us a safe haven within such short notice. In these difficult times of uncertainties, education and communication of healthcare measures are important. I hope that the community comes together in solidarity to get through this together. Thank you for providing us shelter in this difficult time.”
In France, Ascott is supporting healthcare workers, easing the demands of commuting to and from work, across the country. Since 23 March 2020, Ascott has provided more than 1,500 complimentary room nights in key cities such as Paris and Marseille. The initiative is expected to continue until the end of May.
In addition, from 6 April to 5 May 2020, Citadines Austerlitz Paris will provide 50 rooms exclusively for healthcare workers from Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, a public hospital within walking distance from the property. The initiative is in collaboration with BNP Paribas Immobilier Promotion IE and Sucres et Denrés.
In China, as the nation gradually recovers from COVID-19, Ascott continues to care for healthcare workers, offering 630 complimentary nights in appreciation of their hard work. The initiative is available in 31 lodging properties across 19 cities from 1 May to 31 December 2020.
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