Bloomberg The surging Omicron variant is complicating the recovery for a world economy that continues to be wracked by supply chain chaos, worker absenteeism and faltering assembly lines. Supermarkets are struggling to stock shelves amid chronic staff shortages. Airlines are grounding flights. Manufacturers are facing disruption and shipping lines remain backed up. At the same time, surging energy prices …

  Bloomberg The US government suspended 44 scheduled Chinese airline flights from the US to China in response to restrictions placed on American carriers over Covid-19 testing protocols. The US Department of Transportation issued restrictions against four Chinese airlines in a dispute that has been percolating since the pandemic erupted in 2020. China in recent months had suspended flights on …

  Bloomberg UK retailers embraced the government’s move to ease restrictions after Omicron hijacked footfall over the holiday season, saying they hope customers will swiftly return to their stores. The government will no longer ask people to work from home or wear face masks in shops or public transport from Jan. 27, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. Covid passes proving …