Hertz today announced that it will provide free rentals to New York City healthcare workers through April 30.

Beginning today, healthcare workers can reserve a vehicle at 19 New York City-area Hertz locations so they can continue providing critical care to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"With New York City having the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, healthcare workers are dealing with extremely challenging circumstances," Kathryn Marinello, Hertz President and CEO, said in a statement. "It's vital that healthcare workers have safe and reliable transportation during this time, and we are eager to help. The dramatic decrease in travel means we have more vehicles to serve the most critical needs of the community. We're starting in New York City with healthcare workers and we'll continue to see how we can help during this crisis."

Hertz is working with Mount Sinai Health System to make vehicles available to its employees throughout New York City, and is also supplying the Health System with free cargo van rentals to transport ventilators and other medical supplies to support the crisis.

"Mount Sinai Health System and our community of physicians, nurses, trainees, students and other health care professionals are working tirelessly to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,"  Doctor Kenneth L. Davis, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Health System, said in a statement. "We thank Hertz and the growing number of community and business organizations who have pledged their support during this critical time."

Lindsay Davis, a certified child life specialist in the NICU at Mount Sinai Hospital, is one of the first health care workers to pick up a free rental this week after growing more concerned about getting to and from work.

"A large part of my job is providing emotional support to families in the NICU, so it's important at a time like this for me to be able to get to work," Davis said.

New York City healthcare workers who would like to reserve a Hertz vehicle from March 25 through April 30 should visit Hertz.com for more information.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Hertz will continue to be of service in the community. Hertz is providing vehicles to its partner Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization that is currently serving communities across the country by providing assistance such as delivery services for food-insecure populations, and coordination and logistics support for those in temporary quarantine through its #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors initiative.

In New York City and nearby New Rochelle, New York – both hot zones for the pandemic – Hertz is helping power Team Rubicon's veteran-led support by donating vehicles to serve at-risk populations in need of essential healthcare. Additionally, Hertz is supporting Team Rubicon's efforts with Feeding Westchester by giving Team Rubicon volunteers (known as Greyshirts), vehicles to transport food supplies from food banks in New Rochelle to mobile pantries to help ensure those in need receive proper nourishment.

"Those on the frontline of this crisis – healthcare workers, government agencies and relief organizations – need everyone's support more than ever," continued Marinello. "Hertz is proud to show our appreciation for the important work they're doing by providing a valued resource during this difficult time."