Citing public health concerns amid the coronavirus, home-sharing company Airbnb has imposed a worldwide party ban at its rental properties and capped occupancy at larger homes to 16.

The ban on parties and events will be “in effect indefinitely until further notice”, the company said on its website, adding that guests “may be legally pursued by Airbnb if they violate our policy”.

Airbnb said 73 per cent of its global listings already banned parties and unauthorised festivities were always prohibited. The company has historically allowed hosts to permit guests to host smaller gatherings such as birthday parties.