‘Significant’ staff shortages in Victoria amid testing fiasco and surging COVID-19 cases

Businesses are experiencing “significant” staff shortages as COVID-19 cases numbers surge, a shortage of rapid antigen tests sets in and wait times for PCR results blow out.

Chief executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Paul Guerra, says shortages are being seen across the board.

“People cannot work and are having to isolate for up to, in some cases, five days before they get results back,” he told Heidi Murphy, filling in for Tom Elliott.

“We’re seeing it in hospitality en masse. We’re starting to see it bite in industries … the meat industry, we’re seeing it just in general supply.”

Mr Guerra says he’s “hopeful” the problem will ease over the next week, as more rapid antigen tests become available.

Press PLAY below to hear more about how the current COVID-19 situation is impacting businesses