Omicron poses new threats to restaurants and bars
LOS ANGELES — After a lull in reported COVID-19 cases in the fall and the hope that things might be approaching something resembling normal, restaurants are, again, reporting disruptions and steep drops in revenue.
According to a new study from the Independent Restaurant Coalition, 58% of restaurants and bars nationwide lost more than half their revenue under the omicron surge. The fast-moving variant, which can infect people who have been vaccinated and boosted, is coming on the heels of a disastrous two years and is responsible for new challenges and staffing setbacks.
Restaurateurs are finding new — and old — ways to pivot, this time from county officials. over compensation for COVID losses. Some are continuing through the latest surge with indoor service, while others are flipping back to takeout-only models because of test shortages and delays in results. There is no clear path and little direction.
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