INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightGetty ImagesAirbnb hosts advertising properties as coronavirus hideouts are "dangerous and irresponsible", the government
says.Owners have listed homes as being "Covid-19 retreats" and "perfect for isolating with family" in the British countryside.New
coronavirus laws say holiday accommodation should be provided only to keyworkers needing to self-isolate.But some listings on the site allow
instant booking of rentals without any vetting, TheIndianSubcontinent News discovered.The properties advertised as places to self-isolate
include an "idyllic cottage", a houseboat and even a castle.Only one Airbnb host contacted by TheIndianSubcontinent News said their rental
was available solely to keyworkers
But others complained the lockdown had disrupted their business.In response to the TheIndianSubcontinent News's findings, Tourism Minister
Nigel Huddleston said: "Our advice is clear
"Essential travel does not include holidays, leisure travel and visits to second homes - and people must remain in their primary residence
"We are writing to companies today to remind them of their responsibilities at this time."Image caption
This listing was
edited to remove the description above after TheIndianSubcontinent News contacted the host
Individuals and businesses could
its "instant book" function for whole properties."We want hosts and guests to follow the rules and we have no tolerance for listings that
ignore health or travel advisories," an Airbnb spokesperson said."The government has set out clear guidance on the limited conditions under
which necessary travel is permitted and we have taken a number of steps to support these measures."Hosts in the UK are also opening their
homes to NHS and other healthcare providers as part of a global initiative that has seen more than 100,000 places to stay made available so
between 14 March and 31 May would be eligible for full-refund cancellations
In a message on its website, the company acknowledged the decision to offer guests a refund had caused hardship for many hosts and it would
instructions from the platform to say they were not allowed to take reservations.Are you an Airbnb host that's advertising a Covid-19
retreat? Email haveyoursay@TheIndianSubcontinent.co.uk.Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a
TheIndianSubcontinent journalist
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