Hollywood's rich queue-jumping for Covid vaccines taking private jets to Florida, offering $50,000

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Hollywood power-players are using private jets to fly hundreds of miles and even offering $50,000 'bribes' to get their hands on the coronavirus vaccine.

Strict rules in California limiting the shots to over-65s and medical workers has led to 'vaccine tourism', with celebrity agents and studio heads travelling to Florida, Hawaii and even Alaska, where age limits do not apply.

Last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis brought in legislation limiting the jab to those who can prove they are resident in the state after it was revealed that of the 1.1 million people vaccinated in Florida, 39,000 did not live there.

Richard Parsons, former boss of communications giant Time Warner, is one of the few 'Covid tourists' who admitted jumping on a private jet to get a vaccine in Florida.

The 72-year-old – who did not break any rules – said: 'It's orderly and sensible. You make an appointment. You get an appointment.'

Doctors in Los Angeles have also claimed that some of Hollywood's super-rich are trying to 'bribe' their way to a vaccine.

Beverly Hills doctor Robert Huizenga said he had been offered in excess of $10,000: 'We've been offered bribes. We see people taking planes to every location.

'We've seen people try to get into the healthcare profession or on staff [lists] at nursing homes so they qualify for an early vaccine.'

One tycoon in his early 40s even claimed he was his elderly mother's carer to get a Covid shot.

Another doctor from Cedars-Sinai, known as the 'hospital to the stars', said: 'It's ridiculous. I've been asked if a $25,000 or $50,000 donation to the hospital will help.

'One guy, an agent for an Oscar-winning actor, jumped on a private jet to Hawaii because he discovered a vaccination opening there.'

Unsurprisingly, there has been public outrage against those who bend the rules.

Mexican TV host Juan Jose Origel, 73, was widely condemned last week after he flew to Miami from Mexico City to get the shot and bragged: 'Thank you #USA. It's sad that my country did not offer me that security.'

But one woman wrote: 'My husband has terminal cancer and can't get the shot. Are you proud of yourself for playing the system?'