Omicron impact: Residents asked to check website for latest service information

The council is carefully planning to limit the impact of inevitable staff shortages

County Hall

 

People are being urged to check online for the latest updates on Leicestershire County Council’s services as the omicron surge continues.

Currently most services are running as normal, including those that support vulnerable people, though staff shortages are inevitably starting to have impact on some operations.

Residents can find the latest updates at: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/popular-now/council-service-updates

Services affected by staff absence and isolation include:

  • Waste and recycling sites - where a significant number of front-line workers are off and temporary closures or reduced opening hours may be required
  • Some home to school and special educational needs transport services – parents will be contacted if their transport is not available
  • A reduced supply of lateral flow tests from the Government – this means they are not currently being distributed by the council’s mobile van testing service.
 

“We are taking every step we can to limit the impact of omicron on services but we are a large employer and infection rates are at their highest ever levels in Leicestershire so some disruption is unfortunately inevitable.

“So far, careful planning has allowed us to limit the impact and keep our key services going, including those supporting vulnerable people, though some changes have been necessary – and other measures may be needed in the near future.

“That’s why we are asking people to keep a close eye on our website for the very latest information.

“It always makes sense to be ready for the worst-case scenario and that is what we are doing even though we hope we will avoid it.”

Deputy county council leader, Councillor Deborah Taylor
 

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