19 MARCH 2020
With the introduction of mandatory self-isolation for returning overseas travellers, OCN became extremely concerned about the new phenomenon of Airbnb and other short-term letting platforms promoting apartments in strata communities as isolation rentals.
OCN wrote to the NSW minister for better regulation, Keven Anderson, calling for urgent action under the Public Health Orders to prevent this risk to permanent residents.
OCN noted that unlike the regulated serviced apartment sector, Airbnb and other platforms do not have appropriate protocols and practices for protecting public health and managing the biohazards associated with potentially infectious guests. This requires urgent intervention to stop “quarantine letting” and reduce the very real threats it creates.