A call is being put out through Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty to help businesses with staffing shortages.

In response to the current Omicron outbreak putting extreme pressure on Tauranga's CBD hospitality and retail sectors, Mainstreet Downtown Tauranga has set up a volunteer roster for other business owners and individuals to lend a hand.

'We have many cafes, restaurants, bars and even shops having to close for days or more as their staff are home self-isolating,” says Mainstreet manager Millie Pidwell.

'They're already struggling and this is just another extreme pressure point.

'By setting up a volunteer roster, we're leaning on our tight knit community in the city centre to lend a hand through this tough time.”

Millie says it's simply about people helping people.

'Many people are fearful to go out at the moment due to the Omicron outbreak and that is absolutely understandable, but it's a tragedy when those that do go out may not be able to go to their favourite restaurant, café, bar or shop because they have been forced to close for a day or more because of critical staff shortages.

'Our volunteer roster is one way of not standing back but instead helping out such a vital sector in our city centre.”

Mainstreet Tauranga has put a call out to members to simply sign up with their contact details.

The roster is then readily available to CBD businesses to draw on if and when they need it.

'Fingers crossed this current outbreak will reside quickly and our businesses won't be struggling to fill their rosters again, but even if we can make a difference over the next couple of weeks or more, it will mean a lot to our businesses.”

Millie says there's a strong community of support in the CBD.

'We're already seeing some business owners and individuals simply rolling their sleeves up and volunteering and we're hoping to see more of that.

'Having a roster of individuals that might be able to help out for a shift, wash some dishes, clear tables, help in the kitchen or help in a shop could mean the difference between a business opening or not on any given day and the ripple effect of that could be huge. It's time for us, the customers, to give back to our favourite places in the city centre.”

Millie says Mainstreet Downtown Tauranga will of course be asking all those who volunteer to adhere with mask wearing and mandate regulations and to ensure they comply with the Covid-19 health and safety measures in place at each workplace.