Hollywood Issues Guidelines For Restarting Production Amid Pandemic

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced the entertainment industry to halt the production of various movies and TV shows. The decision was taken after the U.S. government banned large gatherings to prevent the spread of the disease.

Even when the life-threatening illness continues to wreak havoc in the country, Hollywood has already started talking about resuming work and has come out with a 22-page report that includes a blueprint for resuming production amid the pandemic.

According to Variety, the industry has laid out numerous guidelines to lower the risk of COVID-19 while filming. The report suggests that “regular” testing of the cast and crew would be implemented to create a safe working atmosphere.

It also noted that big studios or production companies will have to utilize “effective” testing protocols and they must be approved by various Unions and Guilds. The report also makes it clear that the employers would have to change testing protocols with time to get more accurate results.

As of late, the report has been delivered to the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo. It will also be submitted to California’s Governor and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

“Regular, periodic testing of the cast and crew will be used to mitigate the risk of the spread of COVID-19. Employers will utilize current effective testing protocols that must be developed in conjunction with, and approved by, the Unions and Guilds. As tests are developed and others become more accurate, the testing protocols shall also change,” the report stated.

It has also been advised that employers should remain in contact with medical professionals and experts for verified information.

The report comes with a lot of recommendations and highlights why social and physical distancing are needed. The cast and crew of a feature film or TV show are urged to “practice” physical distancing whenever possible.

On the other hand, they should also maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from any other person at “all times.”

“Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Cast and crew should avoid congregating in groups. When practical, separate work locations into zones to facilitate physical distancing,” the report added.

The guidelines also indicated that crew members like hairstylists, makeup team, and actors should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in close proximity.

The report comes a few weeks after Zachary Levi revealed that film sets could look completely different when the industry resumes its operations after the coronavirus quarantine.

Speaking in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the 39-year-old actor noted that studios would have to enforce some major “protocols” to ensure safety on the set.

The U.S. is the worst-hit nation when it comes to COVID-19. It has witnessed over 1.8 million cases and 106,000 deaths so far.