Omicron is the latest blow to pandemic-weary frontline workers

By PHILIP MARCELO, ANNE D’INNOCENZIO and BOBBY CAINA CALVAN
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BOSTON (AP) – The surge in coronavirus cases caused by the new omicron variant is the latest blow to hospitals, police departments, supermarkets and other critical operations struggling to keep up. maintain staff levels. COVID-19 absenteeism among workers at London hospitals has tripled this month, and nearly 10% of the city’s firefighters have fallen ill. In New York, twice as many police officers took sick leave this week than usual. Countries like Spain have relaxed quarantine rules to allow more people to continue working. Several US states have called on the National Guard to help bolster short-arm hospitals.