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The outbreak of Omicron in New Zealand and impact on businesses

Within just a month of the very first exposure levels to Omicron in NZ, the virus had already established itself as COVID-19’s predominant strain.
We have yet to observe the projected rapid and dramatic increase in new Omicron occurrences. This may be due to the speed with which the virus is transmitted. For the time being, managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) in the country is keeping countless cases out of the population.
The restoration to red settings across the nation under the protection framework of COVID-19 has given New Zealand opportunities to study from different experiences. The most difficult stage is still to arrive, but New Zealand may be well-positioned to meet it.

The outbreak of Omicron in New Zealand

New Zealand was also one of the countries to be spared from the omicron variant’s outbreaks. But now the variant has come into the country, increasing the rate of transmission. With an estimate of around 20 reported cases per day, the government was able to restrict the transmission of the delta form. However, it has seen a growth in the number of individuals contaminated with omicron entering the nation and being placed in obligatory quarantine.
This has put a burden on the quarantine system, prompting the government to restrict entry for returning nationals while it considers what to do with reopening the country’s borders, enraging many New Zealand people who desire to return.
Approximately 93% of people in New Zealand aged 12 or up are completely vaccinated, with 52% receiving a booster dose. The government has only recently begun immunizing youngsters from 5 to 11 years old.

Impact of Omicron outbreak on small businesses

Due to the latest Omicron outbreak, New Zealand has been under red restriction which is further extended.
As omicron took root in New Zealand, the state is advising companies to brace for high unemployment and supply shortages.
New Zealand‘s Finance Minister has asked businesses to implemented corporate continuity plans and offered government assistance, but has cautioned that the virus effect might be devastating.
The red setting has been established. The “red” setting involves gathering restrictions and interpersonal distancing measures, but unlike prior outbreak reactions, there is no regional or national lockdown, so businesses may continue to operate and individuals can travel.

How businesses are dealing with the Omicron outbreak?

Many companies have notified their employees that they can work remotely now as New Zealand has returned to the red Covid setting, while others are offering individuals the option.
Although some large corporations have moved to an off-site staffing strategy, others have indicated they are using a hybrid system in which a small percentage of employees work from the workplace.
The red setting enables organizations to stay open and domestic traveling will continue but restricts mask-wearing and meeting to under 100 people to help prevent the transmission of the infection and relieve strain on the health care system.

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