Note - the question below is asked for US major metropolitan areas but would be interested to know for other regions as well.

What would be the approach to the situation if one needs to find affordable accommodation during the extended several weeks stay while minimising risk of exposure to Covid?

In a way airbnb could be an option as long as no one else is sharing the same property, however I really do not know how reliable such solution is for several weeks stay.

‘Extended Stay America’ and similar businesses would be great for minimising the risk but unfortunately the price point would be difficult to meet - the requirement is less than $2000 for 30-40 days stay.

How desperate hotels are now for business? Have you tried to email them something like: ‘Hey, I would like to stay at your property for extended time but I can’t afford the daily rate of nnn. Instead, I am offering you $$$ for stayin at your property for nn days. Please let me know if you are interested’

P.S. Sorry if above sounds naive but I have been living outside of US for >10 years and last time I stayed at a major hotel chain was 8 years ago, just don’t know reality of the ground.