Short-term rentals should be considered an essential resource

Even as some parts of the country begin to reopen, many people continue to be told that they should stay home in order to help slow the spread of coronavirus. But if people are safest at home, then why are some governments ordering the closure of short-term rentals, while allowing hotels and other lodging establishments to remain open?
Take Newport Beach, which recently extended its forced shutdown of short-term rentals until May 20. The reasoning appears to be that this closure is necessary to