COVID-19 is a dangerous virus, especially for the older population, people with respiratory problems, including asthma, and pregnant women. In order to keep these vulnerable populations safe, it’s important to practice social distancing, maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others and minimizing time spent outside the home.

But if you’re an essential worker in North Carolina, whether you’re in healthcare, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, or you work in an essential industry, such as grocery or post office, you may not have the opportunity to practice social distancing and other safety guidelines. You know the health risks you’re under, but how can you protect the people you live with?

In many cases, not living with your family may be the best option, especially if you share a home with a vulnerable or immune compromised individual. A short term rental is an effective, affordable way to maintain distance from your family while still enjoying a comfortable space when you’re not working or serving the community.

Who Is an Essential Worker in North Carolina?

On March 27, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order for North Carolina residents and businesses declaring non-essential businesses needed to close physical locations and workers needed to stay at home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Industries and workers that are considered essential include:

  • Healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and people employed in healthcare facilities)
  • First responders and emergency workers
  • Pharmacies
  • Gas stations and convenience stores
  • Grocery stores
  • Essential industry fulfillment centers
  • Hardware and home improvement stores
  • Animal health (veterinarians and those employed in veterinary care)
  • Post offices and shipping (UPS, FedEx, and supply chain operations)
  • Office supply stores
  • Hotels and transportation, including airlines, buses, and ride-share services

This order currently extends from March 27, 2020 through April 29, 2020, though this may be extended depending on how the virus spreads and infection rates.

Protecting Others as an Essential Worker

If you’re out on the front lines, so to speak, during this pandemic, you’re most likely worried about not only getting sick, but carrying it to your family. Perhaps you’re changing clothes in the garage or at work, showering the moment you get home, and trying to avoid hugging or sitting too close with your family. Even that might not be enough to keep your family safe, especially if they are already vulnerable to getting sick. For those who are in high-risk areas of North Carolina, temporarily leaving the home may be the safest option.

Choosing a Short Term Rental as an Essential Worker

Many essential workers are taking the next step in trying to protect their families by staying in a separate part of the house or even sleeping in their cars, which can be exhausting and stressful, compromising their own health and safety in order to protect others.

Others are choosing a hotel, which can be prohibitively expensive as well as uncomfortable to live in for a longer stretch of time. One or two days may not be a problem, but if you’re looking at over a month, which is a strong possibility, living in a cramped hotel room can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. In addition to the inconvenience and expense of a hotel, you also have to factor in that the common areas, such as cramped hallways, elevators, and the lobby, can be an exposure risk to you and other people.

Instead, a short term rental can be an excellent solution, providing you with a comfortable temporary apartment that includes all the amenities you need:

  • Fully furnished, including cookware and linens
  • Utilities are included
  • Washer and dryer in unit
  • Wi-fi and cable
  • Spacious floor plans

You’ll have the convenience of a hotel, including immediate availability to move in, with the affordability and comforts of home.

Contact Us for a Short Term Rental in North Carolina

We want to support essential workers in any way we can, and we have a wide variety of temporary apartments available for immediate move-in in several cities in North Carolina, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Chapel Hill. We also have two and three bedroom floor plans available for co-workers who want to split the cost while practicing proper social distancing from their families. To learn more about how we can help you during this challenging time, reach out to us at 336-299-1312 or fill out the form below to get started.