Dear Mildred, airbnb can always override a host's policy, they do it all the time for good reasons, such as yours, and for others that leave hosts banging heads against the wall. No one in Louisiana should be hosting anyone who isn't an essential worker right now. You would be crazy to want to go to New Orleans to shelter in place, right? Try calling the mostly overwhelmed customer support during Pacific standard time business hours, airbnb is based in San Francisco. Many say twitter is an effective way of getting attention, have you tried that? Bet you are glad you missed Mardi Gras! I must say that airbnb's giving you a credit toward future bookings is pretty shabby as well. It may be a long time before folks are traveling much for pleasure again & why should they sit on your $ meanwhile? Best of luck & stay well, Sally