Kia ora and welcome to our COVID-19 issue of Business South Connect.

I hope that everyone has had some time off with friends and family over the Christmas break and I am sure you are now well back into the reset of managing this changing environment in which we all live.

The Government has announced three phases for dealing with the Omicron outbreak at the Red setting, based on numbers of cases rising over time.

There are changes to mask requirements in light of updated public health evidence and advice.

With the Southern district’s high vaccination rates, most people who get Covid-19 will have a mild to moderate illness and will be able to recover in their own homes.

There is financial support available to help businesses cover the costs of self isolation, as well as advice on preparation and planning for an Omicron outbreak and a free Covid-19 Business Helpline.

The Government’s next MIQ room release has been paused following a 10-fold increase in positive cases at the border compared to December.

We are delighted to share that Business South has been officially accredited as a Chamber of Commerce.

Business South's team of specialist lawyers can assist you with a full range of employment-related issues from compliance, collective bargaining, restructuring and redundancy to employment relationships, personal grievance and workplace accidents.

The Business South Leadership Academy provides people looking at developing their existing leadership experience, with the opportunity to be mentored by senior executives from significant Otago based businesses/organisations.