Landlady evicts NHS paramedic over fears he will spread Covid-19
A PARAMEDIC was evicted from his flat by text because of fears he would spread coronavirus.
Joseph Hoar said he received the message from his landlady asking him to move out because she was worried he would catch the virus while treating patients.
She told him she was ‘super nervous’ about having an NHS worker as a tenant and had decided it was ‘not worth the risk’. She instead advised him to find accommodation on Airbnb.
Mr Hoar, who works for South Western Ambulance Service, shared the message on Twitter on Saturday night, prompting widespread anger with many offering support for the paramedic.
He wrote: ‘When you work as a paramedic for the NHS and you get evicted over a text by your landlady. Because of this I now won’t be able to work my 12hr night shift tomorrow, so one less paramedic on the road. ‘At these unprecedented times we need our NHS demand more than ever.’
The text message from the unnamed landlady read: ‘Actually Joe, on reflection I am now super nervous about having someone from the NHS here. As it’s only a matter of time before you are in contact with the virus.
‘Can you organise an Airbnb and collect your stuff tomorrow. Sorry I normally would never do this but it’s not worth the risk. I’ll charge you for the week and refund everything. Hope you understand. Kind regards.’
After being inundated with offers of accommodation, Mr Hoar later revealed he had found somewhere to stay. He wrote: ‘Thank you all so so much. I now have accommodation from a fellow friend and colleague! My faith in humanity is restored.’
It comes after a number of hotel chains offered to provide free accommodation for NHS staff as they battle the escalating coronavirus crisis. A hotel owned by Chelsea Football Club in London was among those being made available.
A number of chains – including Nando’s, Greggs and McDonald’s – are also offering medical staff discounts and freebies to show an appreciation of their efforts during the outbreak.