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Even the Government Department charged with supporting those impacted by Covid are having trouble:

Services Australia puts call out for 500 extra staff to deal with surge in pandemic payment applications
By Matthew Doran

The spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is putting immense pressure on Services Australia, with the agency issuing a callout to federal public servants for help in processing applications for emergency financial support.

Australians forced to self-isolate or quarantine because they've been infected with COVID-19, have come into close contact with a person who has the virus, or are caring for someone who's been infected can apply for the pandemic leave payment worth up to $750 a week — if they're not getting any other income during that time.

An email sent to public servants announced Services Australia needed an extra 500 staff for the next two months – a request which had been approved by Australian Public Service Commissioner Peter Woolcott and the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Phil Gaetjens.

"Services Australia has already surged its workforce and mobilised non-service delivery staff within the Agency to meet the extraordinary demand for assistance," the email said.

"Additional assistance from across the APS is now sought to implement these internal arrangements.

"The work will involve the processing of the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment claims submitted online by customers.

"Employers participating in this surge will be an integral part of the Australian Government's response to the current COVID-19 situation, and will be supporting the Australian community at a time of critical need."

APS managers have also been asked to consider pausing non-essential work, so that staff can be seconded to Services Australia.