As workplaces gear up for a new year, and seek to draw a line under 2021, there is a sense of inevitability about the arrival of Omicron and what this will mean. Health officials are currently predicting that Omicron will overtake Delta as the predominant COVID-19 variant in New Zealand two to four weeks after an outbreak occurs.
We have seen the impact on workplaces in Australia and overseas countries where COVID-19 illnesses and the requirement to self isolate have resulted in severe staffing shortages paralysing businesses and industries.
Unfortunately it is a question of when, not if, Omicron will arrive. Therefore employers need to prepare now for what might occur.
Covid 19 update - Business Continuity Planning Jan 2022