Surging Omicron Cases Could Lead to Working from Home Return

Surging Omicron cases could result in a new working from home order, according to one of the country’s leading health officials.

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, has urged Christmas festivities to be toned down with socialising restricted only to those necessary interactions.

As part of this warning, she suggested Plan B of the Government’s approach to tackling Covid, which includes a working from home section, would be advisable if more cases emerge.

When discussing the advice issued by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, she said it “has shown that if we have significant surges in Covid cases, then actually working from home is one of the key ones to implement and that’s why it is in Plan B.

“It’s a very early stage for this, I think, but certainly, if we see surges, then working from home will be a good thing.”

Other UK nations have been encouraging people to work from home if possible, but England’s leaders are calling for the right balance for employers, who can decide for their staff.

Are you ready for home working again?

It is an increasingly valid question; are you ready if the Government further implements Plan B so that home working becomes mandatory in the face of surging Omicron cases? Most who were forced to do so in the first lockdown will have some sort of base to set-up, and existing equipment to help with that.

But for many who didn’t have the space to designate a permanent area of their home for remote working, it will be another headache to contend with.

What should you consider?

It is hugely important to think about your posture and seating position in an effort to avoid remote working injuries. By having a suitable desk and chair, which provides the necessary lower back support, you will go a long way to off-setting potential risks. Ensuring screens are a good size and don’t project the glare from natural light is also important.

These are just some of the considerations you’ll need to give if working from home returns to our lives.