Covid Update: Are We headed for another winter of lockdowns and disruption?

The sudden reemergence of the pandemic looks to be taking British businesses and employees by surprise, despite the repeated warnings of healthcare professionals. With Covid-19 cases on the rise once more – as students return to school and offices reopen – there’s a renewed question looming: Are we ready to handle another national health crisis?

Notably, two new variants, BA.2.86 (Pirola) and EG.5 (Eris), have made appearances globally, including in the US and the UK.

As we head into the colder months, experts aren’t predicting any lockdowns just yet. However, the resurgence of cases raises concerns for business owners and management. The pandemic caught many businesses unprepared in 2020, forcing rapid decisions with profound implications for profits and workforce safety. Storefronts closed, remote work became the norm and – for over a year – uncertainty prevailed.

Now, companies need to grapple with the same questions about their employees’ willingness to return to offices and consumers’ willingness to embrace in-person shopping, dining and travel.

The silver lining: after enduring multiple waves of closures and shifting guidelines over the past few years, is that most businesses and employees have some kind of blueprint to follow. Unlike the shock of 3 years ago, even if cases surge and impact business operations, it won’t be quite as jarring.

Companies have adapted to different disease environments, modifying work practices for the majority of their employees. Remote work policies and crisis operation strategies have been established. Sick leave and parental leave policies have been updated. Businesses are now better equipped to be agile, having navigated policy changes and restrictions.

Francesca L Beaudoin, professor and chair of epidemiology at Brown University, suggests that businesses with institutional memory will fare better. Those thinking beyond the immediate Covid-19 wave will also be better positioned for success. “The playbook, so to speak, should be documented, so we’re not reinventing things if another threat emerges,” she says.

Although some businesses and employees may adapt smoothly to change, essential workers and those in frontline roles may face challenges. Burnout could be a concern, as many have not fully recovered from the initial lockdown. With some sectors already grappling with workforce declines and hiring difficulties, another lockdown could exacerbate staffing issues.

Elissa Perry, an organisational psychologist and professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College, believes that this autumn’s rise in cases won’t cause the same level of disruption seen in 2020 and 2021, particularly for adaptable businesses. She notes that business leaders are now more attentive to their employees’ physical and psychological well-being.

However, essential workers and frontline staff may not be as fortunate, facing virus exposure, burnout and staffing challenges. The response to another wave may vary widely across sectors due to differing worker experiences, including those battling long Covid.

In this uncertain landscape, companies have the opportunity to demonstrate crisis management skills. Effective communication from leadership is crucial, offering clear guidance and reassurance to employees. Businesses must maintain their commitment to employee well-being, providing support and encouraging staff to utilise available benefits.

One positive is the potential for private Covid vaccination, presenting a significant opportunity for independent clinics and local pharmacies to play a pivotal role in the ongoing battle against the virus. As companies explore the option of mass vaccinations for staff through private providers, independent healthcare professionals will leverage their expertise and accessibility to deliver convenient vaccination services.

While the future remains uncertain, businesses and workers have gained valuable experience over the past few years. They have developed plans and strategies to adapt quickly to challenges, whether related to Covid-19 or other crises.

Individual business owners and leaders must remain informed about Covid-19 developments and be prepared to respond decisively to rising cases. As viruses evolve, our adaptability becomes paramount.

Pharmacists and private clinics will play a vital role in the continuing battle against Covid-19. By listing your business on our website, you can connect with a broader audience, ensuring local communities have easy access to essential healthcare services during uncertain times. 

List your business on Private Covid Jabs and your clinic or pharmacy will be in prime position to meet the expected demand for vaccinations, as more business owners seek to protect their workforce.