Airbnb has temporarily halted bookings on the platform in the U.K., except for key workers and those with "essential stays."

The booking restriction for the U.K. comes into force today (April 9). The closure of bookings until at least April 18 has yet to be extended to other countries.

The decision comes just days after the company said it would be relying on hosts to ensure guests were not contravening government guidance on non-essential travel.

Airbnb had previously taken a number of steps to support measures where travel restrictions have been put in place, including blocking private room bookings and disabling its "Instant Book" function for whole properties.

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