@Jennie131,
The unannounced revisions were mentioned in another thread: https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Where-is-the-sense/m-p/1429380#M339882. In the discussion Catherine Powell even chimed in, and stuck her foot in some poo when she contradicted her own previous statements regarding the necessity to wash all kitchen items.
I looked in my download folder, and found:
- October 8, 2020 the handbook version was dated June 15, 2020, and mentioned washing the ceiling with a multipurpose cleaner/detergent in two places (the entryway and porch). It also stated washing various walls (e.g., shower/tub, refrigerator, pantry, patio, entryway and in the common room (I guess the virus wouldn't stick to wall in any other room)).
- October 16, 2020 the handbook version was dated September 21, 2020. Washing the ceiling has been removed, and replaced with using a broom to remove visible dirt and cobwebs in the outdoor area (obviously, this is a key step in preventing COVID spread - stopping an infected spider from sneezing or coughing and the aerosols not get blown away in the air before inhalation by guests). The walls in the pantry, patio and entryway have gained a level of immunity, and no longer require a routine application of a cleansing agent. The revision was published almost a month after it was done, but there was no announcement of the changes.
- January 30, 2021, the handbook version is still dated September 21, 2020, and I didn't notice any changes regarding the washing of ceiling and walls.
- March 29, 2021, the handbook version is still dated September 21, 2020, and I didn't notice any changes regarding the washing of ceiling and walls.
Every version that I have states that all dishes linens must be washed. This has recently been unofficially amended by Catherine, who now says it's only best practice, but the handbook hasn't been updated.