SAG-AFTRA leaders told their members this evening that “most entertainment productions will remain on hiatus until the second or third week of January, if not later.” The update comes a day after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health urged the film and TV industry to consider pausing production for a few weeks during the steady increase in coronavirus cases across the county.
The LA County Department of Health Urges Film and TV Productions to “Strongly consider a break for a few weeks” as Covid-19 increases
Here is the latest update from SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White:
“We are writing to inform you that we are closely monitoring the recent rise in Covid-19 infections, along with the reported shortage of beds in intensive care units across the state of California and particularly in Los Angeles County. This is deeply worrying for all of us and we take immediate steps to contact our epidemiologists and public health experts regarding the increase in cities across the country.
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“Most entertainment productions will remain on a hiatus until the second or third week of January, if not later. This means that the number of member artists working in groups is now reduced. Our security protocols ensure adequate precautions for the holiday hiatus, including additional testing time before resuming production.
“To ensure maximum security, we are in close contact with our unions and sister associations, the industry, our specialist epidemiologists, industrial sanitation specialists, public health officials, member leaders and staff. We remain focused on ensuring the safest working environment and protocols possible for SAG-AFTRA members.
“We will continue to monitor this situation and its impact on production and employment in all contract areas and will take appropriate measures as necessary to ensure the continued safety of our members and others.
“In the meantime, we ask everyone to remain vigilant and follow safety principles to protect themselves, their families, communities and colleagues. Always wear your masks, maintain a safe physical distance, wash your hands frequently and follow public health recommendations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. “