BOSSES at Airbnb have banned all bookings during the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes following pressure as it continued to advertise properties to rent, despite Government advice to stay at home to protect the NHS.

There are more than 300 properties across Glasgow currently listed on the short-term let site, with some even described as being “virus clean” before check-in.

And there are dozens of accommodation sites listed at popular sites like Loch Lomond – where members of the public have been flouting lockdown rules to stay at home.

But this morning, Airbnb announced it has stopped properties from receiving new bookings up to at least April 18.

An exception will be made for its initiative which offers free stays for NHS staff and paid or subsidised stays for other key workers exempt from the Government’s travel restrictions.

SNP Westminster leader, Ian Blackford MP, welcomed the move after campaigning Airbnb to bring in the measures.

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Mr Blackford received confirmation from Airbnb that from 9am it would “not be possible” to book a stay in the UK during the lockdown.

Anyone who tried to book a property during these days are met with a message that says the property is “unavailable to book”.

Mr Blackford said: “I am delighted to have secured a ban on holiday rentals from Airbnb, which is welcome news for people in the Highlands and all across Scotland

“People should be following the clear public health advice to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.

“An outright ban on holiday bookings should have been the case from the very outset of the lockdown and I sincerely hope that Airbnb has learned lessons from their awful handling of this.

“In light of their decision, it’s now imperative that bookings taken before the ban are cancelled as a matter of urgency to protect our rural communities from the risk of the spread of coronavirus.”

The campaign to stop bookings comes after it emerged the site was listing properties advertising places to self-isolate.

One such house was described as “the perfect place to isolate yourself from the coronavirus.”

At the time, UK tourism minister Nigel Huddleston said it was “incredibly irresponsible and dangerous” for property owners to market themselves as “isolation retreats”.

Commenting on the ban, Airbnb director of public policy Patrick Robinson said: “Hosts across the UK are playing a vital role in housing NHS and other medical staff as they continue their critical work.

“We’ve also heard from hosts who want to help others follow the rules and keep people safe during these unprecedented times.

“Restricting bookings on Airbnb to key workers and other essential stays will allow hosts to continue supporting front-line workers while following Government guidance.”