Why isn't your guest simply following the Covid-19 cancelation policy, @Escape-To-St-Ives0, and cancelling themselves? It isn't actually that difficult and avoids having to call an already busy helpdesk.
I understand your frustration and I wish things were different, but I also think it's is crucial to remember this is affecting everyone. In the past three months, Airbnb has been hit by an unprecedented wave of challenges due to the spread of COVID-19. From having a 400% increase in dealing with customer service requests to losing almost 80% of their global community support network; the very people that would deal with those high volumes.
I'd like to thank you for your patience (and support) while the team is trying to get back on track, solve problems the best way possible and adjust to this new world.
However, airbnb did not "lose" the support - they jetisoned it. That's a business decision and I am not going to feel sorry for the the company that responds to a 400% increase in workload by reducing its resources by 80%.
I feel for the individuals but that does not mean that I can accept foolish responses. I am still waiting for airbnb to agree to cancel what amounts to an illegal visit. Now nearly a week and counting.........