As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, people naturally focus on the number of confirmed cases and the death toll. But thankfully there are a significant number of recovered cases as well. 

As of 23 April, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Italy have surpassed 189,000 but the country has also reported more than 57,000 people have recovered from the virus. In Italy, patients recovering from COVID-19 can only be officially defined as "cured" after three negative test results according to the Italian National Institute of Health.

But that recovery period – especially if it follows treatment at a hospital – can be very stressful. Many are afraid of spreading the virus to their loved ones.

Some privately-owned villas and hotels such as the Hotel Royal in Italy's Emilia Romagna region are offering a safe option for those who do not want to go home. Hotel Royal was opened about a month ago and belongs to the Papa Giovanni XXII community. It was built for tourists but was converted to welcome recovering COVID-19 patients following a request by the local health authority.

All of the patients staying at this 48-bedroom hotel are doing so free of charge. The hotel is set by a beautiful beach, with rooms that have balconies overlooking it.

"This service is invaluable," says Gianpiero Cofano, secretary-general of the Papa Giovanni XXII community. "It ensures that beds in hospitals are freed because people are able to receive assistance at this middle stage between the hospital and their home. Many of these people, remember, are elderly and would not have the possibility of staying at home autonomously because they would lack fundamental services."

Carers at the hotel are all volunteers and the administration has taken many precautions for the safety of the workers and the patients. There is no contact between them. Patients hang their laundry in bags on door handles, food is delivered to their rooms, and patients have separate entrances to the building. 

One carer Anna Marchetti got married in September. Together with her husband, she was supposed to leave Italy for national service in Bolivia. When COVID-19 hit, their plans changed and they decided to volunteer at the Hotel Royal instead. She said her "goal is to make people who are here less lonely."

People with many different backgrounds find themselves in similar situations here. Virginia, an 80-year-old recovering patient, said her experience at the hospital was "heavy" and stressed the importance for her to stay here rather than going home alone. 

Ivano Gianesci spent 12 days at the hospital before doctors recommended he stay at the hotel. He explains that he has a disabled son at home who is also COVID-19 positive, so the hospital decided to send him to this hotel for a full recovery before he returns home.

Gianpiero Cofano said hotel staff received many messages of gratitude from former patients. 

He shared one with CGTN Europe that read: "Thank you for giving me what my family is not able to give at the moment. I wish everyone would experience this side of the disease. Thank you for existing." 

Though these safe havens are few in numbers, for the ones who are able to benefit from the opportunity it's a blessing. 

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