They've had to close their doors for the first time since the pandemic began.
A midlands creche is raising awareness of the transmissibility of omicron, after having to close for the first time since the pandemic began.
Grovelands' Corran Riada centre in Athlone has been shut following a covid outbreak, with all 19 staff isolating and over 90 families affected.
The company's five other centres in Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore remain open, although 15 other staff are also isolating.
Director of Operations, Deirdre Bushell says they were shocked at how quickly the variant spread, considering how many mitigation measures they have in place.
She's been describing their experience to Will Faulkner on Midlands Today: