THE GREAT ESCAPE
BRITS FLEE ABROAD TO BEAT LOCKDOWN
FED- up Brits are forming huge queues at airports as they scramble to escape the month- long lockdown by jetting off
abroad before the travel ban comes into force on Thursday.
Long lines were seen snaking at Heathrow after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second lockdown announcement.
The official Government website states: “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.”
Thousands of winter holiday plans have been put on ice, while it is unclear if holiday firms will refund customers for cancelled trips.
It is feared the travel ban will have a devastating effect on the industry, with Easyjet and Heathrow Airport announcing redundancies last week.
Ryanair boss Michael O’leary said: “National lockdown hasn’t defeated Covid. The second lockdown is just a cover- up for political mismanagement.”
■ SUPERMARKETS are rationing their goods again as customers panic buy before lockdown on Thursday.
Stores are setting limits on essentials and home delivery slots are booking up.
■ Bosses have pleaded with their customers not to stockpile items as supermarkets will remain open as usual.
Tesco’s store in Ely, Cambs, was just one to make toilet rolls, flour and eggs subject to limits.
■ And queues snaked around some Costco stores, including one in Birmingham, with customers seen exiting with trolleys piled high with loo rolls.
Customers battling for delivery slots took to Twitter. Amsilks said: “It’s started ... cannot get an online slot at tesco in the next three weeks! Great everyone ... As a teacher I’ll be at work just like I have since the first lockdown!”
■ Chris tweeted: “@ Tesco we have delivery saver and a newborn and can’t get a delivery slot for days.”