In the United Kingdom, a panic-buying frenzy has come as the new dangerous strain of COVID-19 was detected here, forcing tough restrictions on millions of Englishmen. People are buying fresh fruits and vegetables as well as the most essential goods. Images on social media showed empty shelves on Tuesday as shoppers desperately flocked to stock up before the Christmas rush, as was reported by Express.
After France and other EU countries closed their borders and Britain imposed strict quarantine restrictions within the country following the new strain of Coronavirus, hundreds of lorries stuck in Kennt. Supermarket shelves have been stripped bare of fresh fruit and vegetable and frenzy erupted as people are trying to ger last-minute supplies and be prepared for Christmas.
However, supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s reassured the public there is plenty of stock for the festive season. In a statement, Tesco said, "We've been building our stockholding of key products ahead of the Christmas peak and are working closely with our haulers and suppliers to continue the supply of goods into our stores".
Philip Hambling, head of food at the National Farmers' Union, also reassured that shops were well supplied.
“We remain in close contact with our partners across the supply chain where we are reassured that stores are well-stocked and there is plenty of fresh, seasonal British food available” – he stated. However, people have ignored the advice and stocked up on items as the shops go bare once again.
Twitter has exploded with angry comments as people took to social media to urge others not to panic-buy. "Bread is missing and for some reason, toilet paper as well", "Can you all stop panicking?", "As a rule, there is no time for shopping for those who are too busy working in hospitals, police stations, etc.," messages on social media wrote.
According to ‘Apostrophe’, Ukraine is going to ban flights to and from the United Kingdom due to a new coronavirus mutation. More than 20 countries have already imposed restrictions on air travel to the U.K.