Airbnb hosts defy lockdown laws with 'Covid-19 retreats'

Airbnb 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, BBC 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 BBC News said their rental was available solely to keyworkers.

But others complained the lockdown had disrupted their business.

In response to the BBC 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.

“It is incredibly irresponsible, and dangerous for some property owners to be marketing themselves as ‘isolation retreats’.

"We are writing to companies today to remind them of their responsibilities at this time."