Following in the footsteps of major hotel companies, Airbnb
has launched a new programme, dubbed the Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, which
aims to provide a standardised protocol for cleaning and sanitation in the
home-sharing industry, the company announced in a statement.
The new protocols for hosts were developed with guidance
from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's published standards,
experts including former US surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy, and companies in
the hospitality and medical hygiene arena, including Ecolab, a provider of
water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services.
Beginning in May, the new host cleaning protocol will
include a learning and certification programme. Specifics include information
on Covid-19 prevention, such as the use of personal protective equipment like
masks and gloves for hosts or their cleaners, as well as disinfectants that are
approved by regulatory authorities. A 24-hour waiting period before entering,
recommended by the CDC, also is required. Listings enrolled in the new cleaning
programme will be available for stays immediately after the enhanced cleaning
is performed.
Hosts unable to commit to these new protocols will be able
to opt into a new feature called Booking Buffer, which creates a vacancy period
between stays, with hosts agreeing to keep their home empty save for cleaning
activity. Reservations will automatically be blocked during that timeframe,
currently set at 72 hours.
In a global survey conducted by Airbnb in early April, many
hosts indicated that they plan to host as much or more often as before once the
pandemic is over, the company noted. As of late March, Airbnb booking data
reflected that the number of reservations beginning at least six months out was
greater in comparison with the same time last year.