Omicron drag complicates recovery

Period of uncertainty: A digital poster encouraging people to wear face masks is displayed at a bus stop in London. As the pandemic persists into its third year, it’s becoming clearer by the day that a return to economic normality is some way off. — AP

NEW YORK: 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.