The specter of the Omicron Variant is making business owners nervous—and prompting them to take action.

Although little is known for certain about the coronavirus's Omicron variant, business owners are already concerned about the possibility of more lockdowns and are preparing to re-post "mask required" signs on their doors.

The World Health Organization classified the Omicron variant as "of concern" on Friday, the same as the Delta variant. Early evidence suggests that Omicron, which was first detected in South Africa and has recently been found in other countries around the world, may put people at a higher risk of contracting the virus again when compared to other variants of concern, according to the agency.

The high number of mutations in Omicron is most concerning, according to Gwen Murphy, executive director of epidemiology at LetsGetChecked, a New York City-based at-home testing company. The 50 or so mutations could change anything, from the severity of the disease to its receptivity to vaccines. "It's still early days," Murphy says. "The most important thing is not to panic." In a speech on Monday, President Biden echoed that message. However, after enduring incredible difficulties during the Covid pandemic, some entrepreneurs are becoming concerned—and beginning to prepare their businesses for the worst-case scenario.

This is especially true for businesses that rely on in-person sales, according to Jeffrey Scott, owner of ME&I Fitness and Performance in Minneapolis. ME&I was shut down for six months in 2020, and then again for two months later. Scott estimates that the first shutdown cost him nearly a year's worth of revenue because customers didn't return right away when the business reopened. Even when there are no restrictions, attendance at the gym drops when the virus spikes, as it has in Minnesota in the last month.

Scott has come to rely on grants and loans to pay his and the gym's bills, and will return to full-time work as a senior business adviser with Alerus Financial in May 2021. He claims that because of the pandemic's toll, it's unlikely he'll ever recoup his initial investment. "It's discouraging. It's aggravating "he claims.

Nina Berenato, the owner and designer of an eponymous jewelry brand in Austin, is less concerned about shutdowns, which have been largely opposed by Texas lawmakers during the pandemic. Still, her employees and customers are concerned. "Realizing those challenges may be on the horizon again is a little stressful," she says.

As a result of the variant and increased holiday traffic, Berenato intends to resume requiring customers to wear masks in her store, which they had stopped doing for about a month beginning in late October when conditions appeared to be improving. This also entails purchasing more masks to distribute to customers and dealing with those who refuse to wear one.

Murphy understands business owners' pandemic fatigue, but her advice is based on the first rule of epidemic management: slow the spread. So prioritize working from home (or distancing yourself if you can't), wearing masks, and washing your hands. Leaders should also think about canceling in-person and indoor holiday parties, she suggests. Such measures are "not glamorous," she adds. "However, we have control over it."