Airbnb suspends bookings in Beijing for rest of February

Airbnb said on Monday it has suspended bookings in Beijing until Feb. 29 as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in China exceeded 900. "In light of the novel coronavirus outbreak and guidance from local authorities for the short-term rental industry during this public health emergency, bookings of all listings in Beijing with check-in from 7 February 2020 to 29 February 2020 have been suspended," the short-term home rental company said in an email statement.

The decision was only for Beijing, a spokesperson for Airbnb China said, adding that the company evaluates the situation and works to comply with guidance from local authorities.