Businesses still expect to feel under pressure in phase three of the Omicron response. 

Health officials will now primarily focus on managing high-risk contacts and locations of interest, like aged care homes.  

Only cases and their household contacts must isolate for 10 days - with all other contacts expected to monitor for symptoms.  

Canterbury Employers Chamber Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Kate Hawkesby the difference between phase 2 and 3 is minimal. 

“We’re still going to see hundreds of thousands of people who will be self-isolating – only for ten days - and that will continue to have a significant impact on businesses' ability to actually operate.” 

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