Coronavirus Corvid-19 Free Cancellation

[Sarah327]

Hi Airbnber's

While I understand we are all in a difficult and fluctuating situation following the recent Coronavirus outbreak, why has Airbnb almost immediately offered for guests (and hosts) to cancel penalty-free?! Specifically those, like myself, not in an affected area. 

I fully understand the implications of travel and support any moves to prevent the spread of the virus, but do not see the logic in this. It would have made more sense if Airbnb offered for guests to defer their stays until a later date!

As a host, I would still not receive any monies, however, it would mean that potentially we would all have income in the near future. Other holiday companies such as Cottages.com in the UK are offering for customers to change their travel dates rather than cancel... Why was Airbnb so quick to offer free cancellation?!?!?!