@Helen3
While I agree that travel and holidays are really not a great idea at this time, there are different reasons why people might need to book an Airbnb.
I have, for some time focused on long-term guests and have three private rooms to rent. My recent guests were all from overseas and have returned to their homes, so now I have an empty house. While it would probably be better for my own personal safety not to take in any guests, I have decided that I will take a guest for ONE of the rooms only, and there are certain special conditions involved in that.
I certainly do not want travellers/tourists. I do not want short-term stays and different people coming in and out (not safe for them nor me). I do, however, sometimes get local, long-term guests booking because, for example, they are in between homes. Their lease is up, but their new place is not ready. Or, they moved down to London but couldn't find a permanent home yet. With the housing crisis, it's not easy to find a place even in normal circumstances, but this would be especially difficult for people right now, not being able to go to viewings etc. and with some landlords being hostile.
Some people still need homes, not just key workers. What are they supposed to do? It is maybe not so easy to go crash on someone's sofa right now with social distancing, especially if you are new to the city and don't have friends or family here.
Most renters in London live in cramped conditions, e.g. tiny flatshares or lots of packed in together in one house. It is not that uncommon for 6-8 young professionals to be sharing the same bathroom. These places are not always kept very clean.
My house is large, spread over four floors, with several bathrooms, different living areas and outdoor spaces. Each bedroom is spacious, with a desk. The guest could have their own bathroom and workspace. They would be able to go outside for fresh air without wondering the streets or using public transport. I think that is a better situation for many than most of the alternatives. Not everyone can afford a flat all to themselves, even if they could find one.
So, I will take in one local guest, providing they are working from home and observing our current lock down regulations. Yes, it's partly because I could do with a bit of income, but it's also that if someone is looking right now, it's probably because they need to. I do not expect to get bookings really, but I did have one enquiry from a girl whose lease has expired and whose new place is not available for at least a month.
Tourists, on the other hand, are a different kettle of fish!
Hosts need to be responsible about their choices, but I don't think it's Airbnb's place to play God.