SUMMER holidays risk being thrown into chaos again this year as soaring Covid cases could mean restrictions are brought BACK.
Experts have warned that spiralling cases mean countries abroad may be forced to bring back some of the strict rules which includes face masks, tests and Covid passes.
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran warned that holidays both in the UK and abroad could be at risk.
She told the Mirror: “It is possible that holiday plans will be ruined due to rising Covid rates in the UK.
“Other countries could reintroduce restrictions on arrivals from Britain, and transport companies – already in crisis from the Government’s mishandling of Brexit and industrial action, are likely to see an increase in staff shortages with more off sick.”
Cyprus, France, Greece and Portugal are among the nations with the highest incidence rates.
In its weekly report, published last Wednesday, the WHO said cases in Europe had risen by 33 per cent in one week, the second highest after Eastern Mediterranean (47 per cent).
Spain reported infections increasing by five times in the space of a week, Italy’s case load grew by 61 per cent, France’s by 37 per cent and Germany’s by 23 per cent.
Countries such as Spain have already warned they could reintroduce face masks this summer if cases continue to spiral.
Amós García Rojas, a Canary Islands public health official, said he couldn’t rule out demanding mask indoors again “to protect the vulnerable”.
And Dr Hilary Jones advised Brits to check the travel rules before flying, adding: “There are large numbers of cases in Italy.
“They could say ‘right, you’re going to need a Covid pass, you’re going to need proof of vaccination or recent infection’.”
It is yet another blow to Brits hoping to go abroad this summer after years of travel restrictions.
Long airport queues have continued across the UK for months, with London Stansted passengers even forced to sleep on the floor over the weekend.
Much of the chaos is being caused by staff shortages as the travel industry picks up after Covid pandemic lockdowns.
Airlines such as British Airways have already cancelled 16,000 flights until October, with another 650 scrapped next month.
And easyJet, TUI and Lufthansa have all been forced to cancel thousands of flights in recent days.
More flights are expected to be cancelled this week too.
Both Gatwick and Heathrow Airport have also reduced their summer flight schedule already.
