this week due to a surge in covid cases. now hospitals across the country, already overwhelmed with patients, are facing staffing shortages. nbc news correspondent sam brock has the latest. reporter: the omicron variant may be spreading at the speed of light, but its grip on american workers is slowing down critical services. we have over 500 employees throughout this town that have come down with covid. reporter: at baptist health in miami, some emergency care centers have closed due to a strain on staff. is this a function of not enough people? is that why you re making this choice? yes. we have plenty of equipment. we have plenty of medication. it is the staff. reporter: the crunch prompting change in cal. it s a major disaster waiting to happen. reporter: the hyperinfectious variant leading to new state rules, health care workers who