Coronavirus: Airbnb restricts UK bookings to coronavirus key workers

Home rental firm Airbnb is to temporarily restrict UK bookings to key workers and “essential stays” because of the coronavirus crisis.

The firm said that the measure would last until at least 18 April.

Key workers - such as NHS and social care staff, and transport and food retail employees - can still book through a programme called Frontline Stays.

The decision comes after the government criticised opportunistic hosts.

The BBC had reported on Monday that some listings were letting customers use the “instant book” function without requiring them to be vetted.

At the time, some owners were describing their properties as being "Covid-19 retreats" and "perfect for isolating with family" on the site.

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston described this as being "irresponsible and dangerous".