Companies across U.S. are short on staff as some workers either call in sick or are on vacation

Some companies are so short-staffed as a result of the most recent COVID-19 infection wave, which is being caused by the proliferation of the BA.5 subvariant, that they have had to shorten their regular work hours or even temporarily close.

Acute staffing issues are being faced by businesses all around the United States as some employees take COVID-19-related sick days while others take pre-planned summer vacations.

Robert Fleming, owner of the Los Angeles restaurant Capri Club, which opened in June, claimed that because he has so few employees, he busses tables in addition to running the business.

“I’m the owner-operator and now that means I’m the busboy, the food runner and I’m sweeping and mopping. It means that everyone’s got to pitch in and you do what you got to do to keep the doors open,” Fleming told CBS MoneyWatch.

“Many staffers were exposed and got sick, and with a skeleton crew, you have no backups,” he said. “If someone goes on vacation or calls in sick and you’re barely getting by as it is, then you have to make the decision as to whether or not you keep your doors open.”

Numerous calls from employees claiming they are unable to report to work due to coronavirus are now being received by restaurateurs and other company owners across the United States.

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, from June 29 to July 11, 3.9 million Americans claimed they did not work because they had COVID-19 or were taking care of someone who had symptoms. That is more than twice as many as the 1.8 million individuals who chose not to work for the same reasons during the same time period in 2016.

The COVID-19 has caused employees to miss work, but many are also enjoying planned summer vacations.