The Strats Homes lettings agency is being harder-hit than most. Out of 12 staff, only three are still working.

"We’re staying away from each other and we’re managing the best we can,” says finance manager Maria Stratis.

Hospitals, schools, theatres, transport providers and football teams are also being affected as workers succumb to the new wave of Omicron infections.

And with the UK Health Security Agency’s chief executive Jenny Harries warning of a "staggering” number of cases in coming days, it’s likely that many other businesses will follow.

Strats Homes in Hatfield would normally be busy at this time of year, letting properties for students at the University of Hertfordshire.

"It’s really stressful because it’s Christmas next week and everyone is coming down with Covid,” says Ms Stratis.

"Four maintenance people, five in the office, one by one they have all been testing positive.

"Three of us are managing everything. We have had to lock our doors, and we’ve switched to doing everything remotely."