This new guideline provides an update to the previously published consensus statement on SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 and timing of elective surgery to assist policymakers, administrative staff, clinicians and patients. It focuses on the omicron variant, which is now strongly dominant in many countries. However, the principles may also be of relevance to future variants. To set the paper in its context, Rose Kearsley speaks with authors Scarlett McNally, Tim Cook and Kariem El-Boghdadly. Five thousand watched the broadcast, catch up with the audio recording here!