The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has sparked massive concerns all over the world. This is a viral outbreak that has very little know about it and yet it has proven to be extremely consequential to vulnerable health groups. With no cure or vaccines for COVID-19, we must turn towards methods of mitigation. One of the best mitigating techniques that we can do as individuals is social distancing which requires cancellations of large gatherings and non-essential travel. 

Priceline.com, a travel company owned by Booking Holdings, has opted to tie up people's money with their non-refundable refund policy. Many travel companies including hotels and airlines have chosen to wave their non-refundable policies in order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Booking Holdings on the other hand has not provided a clear route to changing bookings made through their companies, including Priceline.com, leaving people to have to weigh financial burden versus their own health and the health of the community. And, in some instances, people have been told they are unable to get a refund unless they were traveling to a level 4 travel advisory area.

With the downturn in the world economy and the risk of travel we call on Booking Holdings, the owner of Priceline.com, to put into place a new refund policy to help alleviate the financial burden caused by COVID-19 thus making the decision to participate in acts that help mitigate the spread of this pandemic easier. This refund policy should be clearly outlined on all of their websites as well as quick and efficient ways to access solutions to travel discrepancies. Full refund should be offered to anyone who had traveled booked to high risk areas as well as partial refunds or vouchers for those who are traveling in or to countries where COVID-19 is present.