This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/technology/airbnb-hosts-coronavirus.html
The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 5 | Version 6 |
|---|---|
| How Your Airbnb Host Is Feeling the Pain of the Coronavirus | How Your Airbnb Host Is Feeling the Pain of the Coronavirus |
| (1 day later) | |
| SAN FRANCISCO — Livia De Felice, who owns two vacation rental properties and manages four others across Italy, has seen all of her bookings for March canceled, leaving her “extremely worried,” she said. | SAN FRANCISCO — Livia De Felice, who owns two vacation rental properties and manages four others across Italy, has seen all of her bookings for March canceled, leaving her “extremely worried,” she said. |
| Austin Mao, who hosts 2,000 guests a month in his Las Vegas network of mansions, has slashed prices on the properties by 10 percent and plans to keep cutting as visitors dwindle. | Austin Mao, who hosts 2,000 guests a month in his Las Vegas network of mansions, has slashed prices on the properties by 10 percent and plans to keep cutting as visitors dwindle. |
| And Tracey Northcott and her husband, who manage 12 vacation apartments in Tokyo, said the occupancy rate had gone from 80 percent to zero since January. | And Tracey Northcott and her husband, who manage 12 vacation apartments in Tokyo, said the occupancy rate had gone from 80 percent to zero since January. |
| “I’ve got to keep paying my mortgage somehow,” said Ms. Northcott, who employs three full-time and five part-time cleaners and administrators and has started dipping into her retirement savings to pay the bills. | “I’ve got to keep paying my mortgage somehow,” said Ms. Northcott, who employs three full-time and five part-time cleaners and administrators and has started dipping into her retirement savings to pay the bills. |
| Ms. De Felice, Mr. Mao and Ms. Northcott are part of a network of people behind seven million rental listings on Airbnb, the home-sharing and rental site, who are now feeling the brunt of the coronavirus fallout. With travel screeching to a halt in many places to limit the outbreak’s spread, the problems facing Airbnb and other online travel sites, such as Booking.com and VRBO, have rapidly escalated. | Ms. De Felice, Mr. Mao and Ms. Northcott are part of a network of people behind seven million rental listings on Airbnb, the home-sharing and rental site, who are now feeling the brunt of the coronavirus fallout. With travel screeching to a halt in many places to limit the outbreak’s spread, the problems facing Airbnb and other online travel sites, such as Booking.com and VRBO, have rapidly escalated. |
| The toll that the virus is taking on the $688 billion online travel industry is shared by airlines and big hotel chains. But unlike the Marriotts and Hiltons or carriers like United and JetBlue, many online travel sites are underpinned by listings from individual homeowners and smaller hotel operators, who typically have fewer resources to withstand a prolonged slump. | The toll that the virus is taking on the $688 billion online travel industry is shared by airlines and big hotel chains. But unlike the Marriotts and Hiltons or carriers like United and JetBlue, many online travel sites are underpinned by listings from individual homeowners and smaller hotel operators, who typically have fewer resources to withstand a prolonged slump. |
| The pain is already widespread. Booking.com, which has 6.3 million listings for “alternative accommodations,” including apartments and vacation homes, pulled its financial forecast on Monday. The company said worsening conditions made it impossible to “reliably quantify” the impact of the virus on its business, which also sells hotel stays and plane tickets. | The pain is already widespread. Booking.com, which has 6.3 million listings for “alternative accommodations,” including apartments and vacation homes, pulled its financial forecast on Monday. The company said worsening conditions made it impossible to “reliably quantify” the impact of the virus on its business, which also sells hotel stays and plane tickets. |
| “The world has changed, and we have to adjust,” Glenn Fogel, Booking.com’s chief executive, said in a recent interview, adding that his company had also pulled back on advertising. | “The world has changed, and we have to adjust,” Glenn Fogel, Booking.com’s chief executive, said in a recent interview, adding that his company had also pulled back on advertising. |
| Expedia Group, which owns VRBO, Hotels.com and more than a dozen other travel sites, has said it expected a $30 million to $40 million hit to operating profit in the first quarter. The company recently laid off 12 percent of its work force, or more than 3,000 employees, which it said was part of a previously planned restructuring. | Expedia Group, which owns VRBO, Hotels.com and more than a dozen other travel sites, has said it expected a $30 million to $40 million hit to operating profit in the first quarter. The company recently laid off 12 percent of its work force, or more than 3,000 employees, which it said was part of a previously planned restructuring. |
| “It truly is an unknown,” Barry Diller, Expedia’s chairman, said of the coronavirus on an investor call last month. “All we’re trying to do is separate what we absolutely believe is the effect of the virus from our ongoing business, so we can prepare ourselves and make that ongoing business as strong as possible when this thing is over.” | “It truly is an unknown,” Barry Diller, Expedia’s chairman, said of the coronavirus on an investor call last month. “All we’re trying to do is separate what we absolutely believe is the effect of the virus from our ongoing business, so we can prepare ourselves and make that ongoing business as strong as possible when this thing is over.” |
| One of the hardest hit may be Airbnb, where millions of hosts have listed their properties for short stays since the company was founded in 2008. (Airbnb takes a cut of their fee.) Over the years, Airbnb hosts have become increasingly sophisticated, with mini-economies springing up to cater to the hosts’ needs for cleaning and management of the properties. Competitors like Booking.com followed by moving into rentals of vacation homes. | One of the hardest hit may be Airbnb, where millions of hosts have listed their properties for short stays since the company was founded in 2008. (Airbnb takes a cut of their fee.) Over the years, Airbnb hosts have become increasingly sophisticated, with mini-economies springing up to cater to the hosts’ needs for cleaning and management of the properties. Competitors like Booking.com followed by moving into rentals of vacation homes. |
| Now Airbnb finds itself on strategically tricky ground. | Now Airbnb finds itself on strategically tricky ground. |
| The San Francisco company, valued at $31 billion by private investors, said in September that it planned to go public this year — even though the initial public offering market for high-profile, money-losing start-ups has been rocky. Airbnb has indicated that it planned to go public via an unusual method known as a direct listing, where no new shares are sold. And it is under pressure to complete a listing this year because some of its current and former employees’ shares in the company will otherwise expire. | The San Francisco company, valued at $31 billion by private investors, said in September that it planned to go public this year — even though the initial public offering market for high-profile, money-losing start-ups has been rocky. Airbnb has indicated that it planned to go public via an unusual method known as a direct listing, where no new shares are sold. And it is under pressure to complete a listing this year because some of its current and former employees’ shares in the company will otherwise expire. |
| The offering may now be in question. Nick Papas, an Airbnb spokesman, would only refer to the company’s previous announcement that it planned to go public this year. But stock market volatility and a big blow to business from the virus may make it unthinkable for any company to go public soon. | The offering may now be in question. Nick Papas, an Airbnb spokesman, would only refer to the company’s previous announcement that it planned to go public this year. But stock market volatility and a big blow to business from the virus may make it unthinkable for any company to go public soon. |
| Last week, Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s chief executive, sent an email to employees outlining the company’s response to the virus. In the message, he said Airbnb would grant some refunds to customers and establish a $10 million fund to support Chinese rental operators while tourism to the country, where the outbreak started, has halted. | Last week, Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s chief executive, sent an email to employees outlining the company’s response to the virus. In the message, he said Airbnb would grant some refunds to customers and establish a $10 million fund to support Chinese rental operators while tourism to the country, where the outbreak started, has halted. |
| “Airbnb was born during a global crisis,” Mr. Chesky wrote, referring to the 2008 financial crisis and without mentioning the company’s I.P.O. plans. “It didn’t stop us then, and it won’t stop us now.” | “Airbnb was born during a global crisis,” Mr. Chesky wrote, referring to the 2008 financial crisis and without mentioning the company’s I.P.O. plans. “It didn’t stop us then, and it won’t stop us now.” |
| Airbnb faces other coronavirus fallout, including a sponsorship of the Tokyo Olympics this summer that may be in peril if the event is canceled. The International Olympic Committee has said it is fully committed to holding the games, and will follow the advice of the World Health Organization. | Airbnb faces other coronavirus fallout, including a sponsorship of the Tokyo Olympics this summer that may be in peril if the event is canceled. The International Olympic Committee has said it is fully committed to holding the games, and will follow the advice of the World Health Organization. |
| Most of all, Airbnb is dealing with a potential decline in revenue because travelers are canceling stays with their hosts. | Most of all, Airbnb is dealing with a potential decline in revenue because travelers are canceling stays with their hosts. |
| Jasper Ribbers, who runs a company called Get Paid for Your Pad in Sofia, Bulgaria, that provides coaching for Airbnb hosts, has advised those in regions affected by the virus to reduce nightly prices, cut costs and seek alternative uses for their spaces, like finding long-term renters. | Jasper Ribbers, who runs a company called Get Paid for Your Pad in Sofia, Bulgaria, that provides coaching for Airbnb hosts, has advised those in regions affected by the virus to reduce nightly prices, cut costs and seek alternative uses for their spaces, like finding long-term renters. |
| “Some hosts are doing events or letting local artists use the apartments for photo shoots,” he said. | “Some hosts are doing events or letting local artists use the apartments for photo shoots,” he said. |
| Mr. Mao, the Airbnb host in Las Vegas, began cutting prices on his properties last month and said he would continue doing so as bookings slowed. Each of his homes had been bringing around $10,000 a month, with fixed costs of just $3,500. While he saw only a slight dip in bookings in early March, he said, he expects that to deepen as fear of the coronavirus intensifies. | Mr. Mao, the Airbnb host in Las Vegas, began cutting prices on his properties last month and said he would continue doing so as bookings slowed. Each of his homes had been bringing around $10,000 a month, with fixed costs of just $3,500. While he saw only a slight dip in bookings in early March, he said, he expects that to deepen as fear of the coronavirus intensifies. |
| Mr. Mao said he also had stopped work at a construction business he runs, where he employs 10 people who renovate homes for renting. | Mr. Mao said he also had stopped work at a construction business he runs, where he employs 10 people who renovate homes for renting. |
| “I believe this is a harbinger of the next great recession, so I think it’s risky to expand,” he said. | “I believe this is a harbinger of the next great recession, so I think it’s risky to expand,” he said. |
| In Tokyo, Ms. Northcott, who has been an Airbnb host for eight years, said she had been trying to find other work for her cleaners, who are paid by the job. Her business, Tokyo Family Stays, lost around $2,000 worth of bookings in January, $10,000 in February, $25,000 so far in March and $40,000 for April, which is normally the biggest month of the year. | In Tokyo, Ms. Northcott, who has been an Airbnb host for eight years, said she had been trying to find other work for her cleaners, who are paid by the job. Her business, Tokyo Family Stays, lost around $2,000 worth of bookings in January, $10,000 in February, $25,000 so far in March and $40,000 for April, which is normally the biggest month of the year. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| If the virus spreads, she and her husband may try to find corporate jobs, she said. | If the virus spreads, she and her husband may try to find corporate jobs, she said. |
| “It seems that it is always the small businesses who are left to figure things out for themselves,” she said. | “It seems that it is always the small businesses who are left to figure things out for themselves,” she said. |
| Mr. Papas declined to disclose details on the costs of Airbnb’s virus-related cancellations. The company has let people traveling to and from China, South Korea and parts of Italy cancel their bookings with full refunds. It said it was individually evaluating other situations, including people whose flights were canceled or who were restricted from traveling. | Mr. Papas declined to disclose details on the costs of Airbnb’s virus-related cancellations. The company has let people traveling to and from China, South Korea and parts of Italy cancel their bookings with full refunds. It said it was individually evaluating other situations, including people whose flights were canceled or who were restricted from traveling. |
| On Tuesday, Airbnb announced a program called More Flexible Reservations, which will allow hosts to more easily offer refunds to guests. Service fees on trips booked now through June 1 that do not fall under the company’s extenuating-circumstances policy will also be refundable with travel coupons for a future journey. | On Tuesday, Airbnb announced a program called More Flexible Reservations, which will allow hosts to more easily offer refunds to guests. Service fees on trips booked now through June 1 that do not fall under the company’s extenuating-circumstances policy will also be refundable with travel coupons for a future journey. |
| Some customers who booked trips before the new program took effect are unhappy. Dr. Peter Shields, a cancer researcher at Ohio State University, booked a two-week trip to Japan for this month with nearly $10,000 of reservations at two Airbnbs for his family. After the outbreak worsened and his employer restricted foreign travel, he canceled. | Some customers who booked trips before the new program took effect are unhappy. Dr. Peter Shields, a cancer researcher at Ohio State University, booked a two-week trip to Japan for this month with nearly $10,000 of reservations at two Airbnbs for his family. After the outbreak worsened and his employer restricted foreign travel, he canceled. |
| But because Japan does not fall under Airbnb’s extenuating-circumstances policy, Dr. Shields struggled to secure refunds. He tussled with Airbnb’s customer support, emailed Mr. Chesky directly and filed a Better Business Bureau complaint. He was eventually refunded for one reservation and 70 percent of the other — but was then told that the first one had been done by mistake. | But because Japan does not fall under Airbnb’s extenuating-circumstances policy, Dr. Shields struggled to secure refunds. He tussled with Airbnb’s customer support, emailed Mr. Chesky directly and filed a Better Business Bureau complaint. He was eventually refunded for one reservation and 70 percent of the other — but was then told that the first one had been done by mistake. |
| “The answer I’m getting is: You’re out of luck,” he said. | “The answer I’m getting is: You’re out of luck,” he said. |
| Airbnb said 60 percent of its reservations had policies that allowed for half or full refunds. It added of Dr. Shields, “We apologize for this error and have taken action to address this matter and help ensure these kinds of issues don’t happen again in the future.” | Airbnb said 60 percent of its reservations had policies that allowed for half or full refunds. It added of Dr. Shields, “We apologize for this error and have taken action to address this matter and help ensure these kinds of issues don’t happen again in the future.” |
| In his memo to employees, Mr. Chesky tried to stay optimistic. | In his memo to employees, Mr. Chesky tried to stay optimistic. |
| “Travel always bounces back,” he wrote. “It is one of the most resilient industries in the world.” | “Travel always bounces back,” he wrote. “It is one of the most resilient industries in the world.” |