The Omicron virus hits the operations of small businesses across the United States, with more than 30% of companies suffering a decline in revenue.

The percentage of U.S. small businesses with declining revenue rose to 33% in the week ended Jan. 9, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, the highest level since February 2021 last year. More than 30% of the company's revenue declined.

The threat to the U.S. labor market from a resurgence of the virus is underscored by the fact that small-business workers make up nearly half of the U.S. private sector workforce.

The sharp decline in small business operations was mainly due to the rapid contagion of Omicron. Although the virus has a lower proportion of severe cases, it is more contagious than ever, and the rapid spread and worker contamination have led to reduced productivity in many industries.

As the number of confirmed cases of the virus soared last week, more and more small businesses are temporarily closing their physical locations or offices, with Seattle, New York City and Washington, D.C. seeing a spike in closures.