Businesses Urge Calm as Fears Over Omicron Spread in Australia

Australians protesting against government-mandated health restrictions, increasing powers, and the Pandemic Bill in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 6, 2021. Supplied

Businesses, health experts, and political leaders are urging Australians to stay calm after media focus on the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 fueled fears Australia could see the return of harsh health restrictions.

Jennifer Westacott, CEO of the Business Council of Australia said on Nov. 28—the same day that New South Wales (NSW) Health confirmed two positive cases of Omicron in Sydney—that she did not wish to see any overreaction to the new strain.