Flights from Dubai to UK banned as influencers slammed for travelling in COVID-19 pandemic

Social media influencers and reality TV stars who left Britain for sun-soaked destinations, citing work purposes, have been slammed by the government, and by fans, for maintaining opulent presences on social media while those at home remain subject to a third nationwide lockdown as the coronavirus crisis rages on.

But now, they face a desperate rush to fly back home by a Friday afternoon deadline. Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport, said Thursday that the UK would begin banning direct flights from the United Arab Emirates - which includes the luxury tourist city of Dubai - to its "red list" of countries subject to a travel ban.

Earlier this month, the UAE was removed from Britain's travel corridor list following a surge in infections, meaning that those arriving from the UAE - including Dubai - would have to self-quarantine for 10 days.

Dubai has become one of the top attractions for those seemingly seeking to dodge Britain's stay-at-home measures, with celebrities flocking to the city to pose poolside and bask in the heat. Many stars have documented their trips in detail, drawing widespread rebukes.

While some have argued that their trips were genuinely necessary for business reasons, many appear to have exploited a business loophole, while millions of people have been confined to their houses and separated from their loved ones. Britain has recorded more than 100,000 coronavirus deaths. In recent days, the British government has vowed to clamp down on those attempting to embark on nonessential trips.

"Technically any influencer can go to Dubai take a few photos and claim it's work," wrote one user on Instagram earlier this week. Many others declared they were unfollowing celebrities posting travel photos.

"Passengers must still have proof of a negative test and completed Passenger Locator Form before arrival - or could otherwise face a 500 pound [$898] fine for each," Shapps said Thursday, adding that Abu Dhabi, Rwanda and Burundi had also been added to prevent the spread of the coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa.

On Wednesday, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced she would seek to change the regulations. Under the new measures, travelers will be required to fill out a form that states why they are leaving the country, and may be sent home if their reason is not deemed sufficient enough.

"Going on holiday is not an exemption, and it's important that people stay at home," Patel said as she outlined plans to reduce the flow of passengers at British airports.