Airbnb said on Monday that it has discontinued bookings in Bejing until February 29 as the death toll in the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China reached over 900.
The number of infected people globally has now hit the 40,000 mark. The deadly coronavirus has even surpassed the fatalities caused by the SARS epidemic in 2003.
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“In light of the novel coronavirus outbreak and guidance from local authorities for the short-term rental industry during this public health emergency, bookings of all listings in Beijing with check-in from 7 February 2020 to 29 February 2020 have been suspended,” the short-term home rental company said in an email statement.
However, a spokesperson for Airbnb China said that the move is only for Beijing and that the company regularly evaluates the situation and works in compliance with guidance from local authorities.
Airbnb is an online marketplace which arranges lodging, primarily homestays, or tourism experiences. It does not own any of the real estate listings but acts as a broker.