Delta Air Lines is offering free flights to medical volunteers flying to Georgia, New York, Louisiana and Michigan.
Atlanta-based Delta said it will allow eligible medical volunteers to book flights to those states to work with state and local government for deployment to hospitals.
The airline launched the program April 1 for flights to Georgia, Louisiana and Michigan.
Delta announced April 9 it would expand the program to New York with the help of a donation of unused flight credits by consulting firm Deloitte.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the state looks forward to working with Delta.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued a written statement saying: "Even in the midst of managing their own financial challenges as a result of COVID-19, Delta has stepped up in an extraordinary way to support our medical professionals, and for that, we are grateful."
Airlines including Delta have been flying mostly empty planes amid the steep travel decline due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Delta said it is also asking customers to stay a few feet away from other passengers while boarding, and is blocking middle seats to allow social distancing.
Medical volunteers who are interested in the free flights should contact state offices to determine their eligibility for flights through the program, which will now run through June.
Here’s the contact information provided by Delta:
Georgia: Interested individuals can learn more by reaching out to providers@gema.ga.gov.
Louisiana: Contact the Louisiana Hospital Association at LHA-HealthPro@lhaonline.org.
Michigan: Volunteers can visit Michigan.gov for more information.
New York: Apply at https://apps.health.ny.gov/pubpal/builder/survey/retired-health-professional
Other airlines are also transporting healthcare professionals, including Southwest Airlines, the second-largest carrier at Hartsfield-Jackson.
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