Omicron Variant Causes Staff Shortages, Forcing Transit Adjustments
New York City subway services are running on a reduced schedule this week as a result of rising Covid-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant.
The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) announced on Sunday that trains will operate less frequently from Monday to Thursday due to staff shortages caused by the surge. A tweet from the official @NYCTSubway account explained:
“Like everyone in New York, we’ve been affected by the COVID surge. We’re taking proactive steps to ensure consistent service. This means trains may run less frequently, so you might wait a bit longer.”
The NYCTA clarified that reducing scheduled service allows them to reassign train crews more efficiently, avoiding last-minute trip cancellations. They also noted efforts to implement updated state quarantine guidelines for essential workers to address staffing challenges. Commuters were encouraged to check for service updates online before heading out.
Transportation disruptions extend beyond the subway system. FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, reported more than 2,400 flight cancellations globally by Monday afternoon, with 884 affecting U.S. flights. Dr Anthony Fauci described the spread of Omicron as “unpredictable,” warning that the situation could worsen before improving.
“We don’t expect things to turn around in a few days or a week. It may take much longer, but it’s hard to predict,” he said during an ABC interview.
Amid these challenges, New York City implemented a new workplace vaccine mandate on Monday, requiring businesses to bar unvaccinated employees unless exempt for medical reasons. This measure follows a record-setting 44,431 new Covid-19 cases reported statewide on Christmas Eve, surpassing the 38,835 cases reported the previous day.
Adjustments have also been made to the city’s famed New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. Attendance is now capped at 15,000 people, significantly lower than the usual 58,000. Attendees must wear masks and present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test if medically exempt.
Mayor Bill de Blasio acknowledged New Yorkers’ resilience and emphasised the importance of celebrating responsibly:
“New Yorkers have shown incredible resilience over the past year. With the safety measures in place, we can celebrate responsibly and protect those joining us to ring in the New Year,” he tweeted.
