Impact of this outbreak is going to be huge on Airbnb, Coronavirus cases are multiplying every day, and the hospitality industry is going to be hit the hardest. Airbnb is no exception, and it is probably going get hit the hardest being comparatively less organized than the hotel industry.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current outbreak of coronavirus disease, a Global Public Health Emergency known as COVID-19.
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What is coronavirus and what can you do to stay safe?
Coronavirus myth-buster – share it them with your Airbnb guests
There is plenty of fake news out there on the internet, here are some myth busters (source WHO) you can share with your Airbnb guests, host, friends and family to help stop further spread of this deadly disease.
No, this is not true.
Hand dryers do not kill the coronavirus.
To protect yourself against this virus, you should clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water and dry them thoroughly by using a clean towel preferably paper towel or a warm air dryer.
Ultraviolet lamps does not kill coronavirus and should not be used to sterilize your hands or any other part of your skin.
No, this is not true according to WHO.
Spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body does not kill viruses that have already entered your body. But they can be used to disinfect surfaces if applied with appropriate recommendations.
There is no evidence to suggest that companion animals such as dogs or cats can be infected with the coronavirus.
No, this is not true.
Pneumonia vaccines do not provide protection against the coronavirus.
No, as per WHO this is not true.
There is no evidence to suggest that regularly rinsing the nose with saline protects people from the coronavirus.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help you recover more quickly from the common cold.
There is no evidence to suggest that eating garlic has protected people from the coronavirus as per WHO.
No. Sesame oil does not kill the new coronavirus.
There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill the coronavirus on surfaces such as bleach/chlorine-based disinfectants, either solvents, 75% ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform.
But, they have little or no impact on the virus if you put them on the skin or under your nose.
It can even be dangerous to put these chemicals on your skin.
People of all ages can be infected by the coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
When to use a mask to avoid coronavirus?
Can I cancel Airbnb reservation amid fear of coronavirus?
Yes, you can request Airbnb to cancel a reservation penalty-free under Airbnb’s extenuating circumstances policy.
But, you will need to provide documentary evidence such as an official advisory suggesting coronavirus outbreak in your region or if the guest is coming directly from a region which has been severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Your request to cancel a booking won’t be considered under extenuating circumstances if there is no official advisory for the region either the host or guest belongs to.
Read more about Airbnb cancellation policy and know your rights.
Is there an advisory issued by Airbnb about coronavirus outbreak?
Yes, in the last week of Feb-20, Airbnb issued coronavirus information and how it can be paired with Airbnb extenuating circumstances cancellation policy if either the host or guest is from an affected region.
How to reach out to Airbnb to cancel a reservation due to coronavirus?
The best way is to contact Airbnb support via phone and explain them the situation.
You can find Airbnb contact number here.
