Airbnb suspension of Website

[George93]

Why don't Airbnb suspend the website ? It appears that allowing bookings would contravene the regulations in many countries restricting movement and travel from home. All my bookings have now cancelled

[Anonymous]

@George93   Airbnb has already suspended its marketing operations. But what's the point of taking the whole site down? Millions of people are still using it daily, whether to manage active bookings, resolve claims from past bookings, or (speculatively) plan trips in the more distant future.

Also, even under lockdown there are still people with legitimate needs for accommodation. First-response workers far from their homes, travelers stranded by canceled flights, people in need of isolation from shared households, and people displaced by evacuation or housing loss are just some examples. 

Sorry that you've lost your bookings, but no need to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[George93]

Just had this from Airbnb:

Hi George,

To address growing public health concerns, the government has issued temporary restrictions on hosting in England. As a result, we want to inform you about updates to the booking process and your listing during this time. On 26 March, the government passed legislation ordering everyone providing holiday accommodation in England to close for commercial use as quickly as is safely possible. The rules only allow you to host specific types of guests, and in particular circumstances. You can read the exclusions in full here.

In light of these rules and the government’s guidance on social distancing we're blocking calendars for all hosts with private or shared rooms in England starting today. If you have this type of listing, you won't be able to accept new bookings. We’re also limiting the ability for guests to use Instant Book at this time. You’ll have the ability to review each booking request as it comes in and message guests before accepting their reservation. The situation is quickly evolving, so please be sure to check back often for updates. To learn more about how we’re supporting our global community during this difficult time, check the Coronavirus updates in our Resource Centre. Let's do our part to keep everyone safe. Thanks, The Airbnb Team

[Helen3]

Hello @George93 

This doesn't apply to you as you have a whole listing.

You can still register to take key worker bookings with Airbnb. You could also approach your local hospitals and see if you cout isld take direct bookings from NHS frontline workers, if that is something you would be interested in.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@George93 

We have had some key workers book our place for next week (just not through the Airbnb key worker thing which is awfully complex). Without the site they would have had nowhere to stay.