Britain's petrol crisis could drive up Covid cases if commuters rush back onto buses and trains, experts said today amid fears the country is on the cusp of a fourth wave.
Professor Paul Hunter, an epidemiologist at the University of East Anglia, claimed there could 'certainly' be a spike as a result of the fuel shortage. Others said it was 'plausible'.
Hundreds of forecourts across the country have already been run dry by panic buyers, which it's thought may lead to a sudden clamour for public transport.
Shocking footage showed drivers throwing punches and even brandishing knives during chaotic scenes at petrol stations on Monday.
Doctors and nurses have demanded they are given priority for fuel, saying they need to be able to get to hospitals to treat patients.
Professor Hunter told MailOnline: 'The move to public transport could certainly increase transmission. And, if the majority of people are not wearing face coverings, then that would make that transmission worse.'
SAGE has previously warned that if commuter levels suddenly return to pre-pandemic levels then it could fuel a fresh wave.
Covid cases in England and Wales are currently heading upwards, in what scientists believe are the delayed effects of millions of children returning to school at the start of September.
Scotland suffered a meteoric rise in infections after classrooms reopened in mid-August. And although rising infections were previously focused among children, official data now suggests they are starting to spill over into their parents.
Hundreds of forecourts across the country have already run dry amid queues into the early hours and fights at garages (Pictured: Petrol station in Clapham, London)
Drivers have been pictured queuing for fuel at petrol stations (Pictured: Wisley South Services in Surrey today. The local council is considering declaring an emergency)
Are Britons turning to public transport? The above graph shows the weekly percentage change in the number of people using cars, transit or walking on each Friday since mid-July compared to the previous Friday. It reveals that there has been a surge in the number of people taking transit and walking amid the petrol crisis. There is also a rise in the number of drivers
Experts have always warned Britain will likely be struck by a fourth wave later this year, similar to the spike in cases last September when schools went back.
Public transport can be a hotbed for the virus because of a lack of social distancing and ventilation.
Professor Jonathan Stoye, a virologist at the Francis Crick Institute, claimed it was 'plausible' the fuel crisis could spark more Covid cases.
But he also insisted any impact was likely to be 'relatively minor'. This is likely due to vaccinations and the back-to-work drive.
Professor Stoye told MailOnline: 'Definitive attribution to the fuel situation will be especially difficult if, as seems likely, supplies start to flow more freely in the near future.
A motorist fills up her vehicle with fuel from a jerry can at a petrol station in London today
What containers can I use to store petrol?
The legislation allows you to store petrol in the following containers:
plastic containers storing up to 10 litres metal containers storing up to 20 litres demountable fuel tank up to 30 litresSuitable portable containers are defined as being 'robust', 'will not significantly degrade due to exposure to petrol' and must be marked with the words 'PETROL' and 'HIGHLY FLAMMABLE'. If it is plastic it must be made of a moulded polyethylene.
Does the petrol in the fuel tank of my car count towards the total I can store?
No – the petrol in the fuel tank of your vehicle, including boats and aircraft, does not count when you are
