AirBnB mandates new COVID safety measures

[Nathan Gesner]

What do you think if the new requirements instituted by AirBnB? I thought AirBnB was a marketing platform, but they apparently see themselves as much more, with the ability to dictate how I manage my own property. I'll be canceling my service with them.

Here's the announcement:

Coming together for the health of our community As the pandemic continues, it’s important that we all do our part to help protect one another from COVID-19. With this in mind, we’re launching mandatory safety practices that everyone in the Airbnb community must follow. For hosts, this means wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process. All hosts are required to agree to these COVID-19 safety practices by November 20, 2020. Hosts who don’t complete this requirement before the deadline may be unable to accept new reservations. Learn more On our end, we’ll give you access to tools and resources you'll need to uphold these standards, which you can find in the cleaning section of your Performance tab. Thanks for being our partner, and for everything you do to support the Airbnb community. Get started COVID-19 safety practices We’ll continue to update these requirements as the science evolves. Here’s what to expect: " width="100% !important" height="0 !important" bgcolor="#F1F1F1 !important"> Wear a mask and practice social distancing When interacting in person, hosts and guests must wear a mask and maintain 6 feet (2 meters) of distance from each other at all times. " width="100% !important" height="0 !important" bgcolor="#F1F1F1 !important"> Follow Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process We're now requiring all hosts to follow a 5-step enhanced cleaning process. This is based on Airbnb’s cleaning handbook, which was developed in partnership with experts. Ready to get started? It only takes a few minutes to review and agree to the terms. Get started Airbnb, Inc. 888 Brannan St. San Francisco, CA 94103

[Nathan Gesner]

I don't believe we need to create new regulations and burdens for a virus with a 98% survival rate (actually higher for likely travelers).

What you believe about COVID doesn't matter. AirBnB should stick to their lane and stop trying to dictate how I greet my guests or wipe down my counters. Alcoholism kills more people than COVID, will AirBnB ban me from leaving champagne for a guest? Or cookies when diabetes kills millions? Where does it stop?