ScreenSafe – COVID-19 / Delta Outbreak – UPDATE
2 September 2021 – SCREEN INDUSTRY DISTRIBUTION
Kia ora koutou katoa to all in the Screen Industry, hoping you are all staying safe in your bubbles!
Please note the ScreenSafe COVID-19 Health and Safety team is currently looking at what Protocols need to be reviewed, particularly in light of the new Delta variant.
For now, please refer to the ScreenSafe website – https://screensafe.co.nz/covid-19-coronavirus/ – particularly the Protocols and Summary Guidelines around L4, L3, and future planning for Level 2.
These are still a really great guide for what is allowed at each level.
You can download today’s update in PDF here.
For the avoidance of doubt, please note the following:
Level 4: NO filming is possible/other than registered news organisations and essential programming.
Level 3: Very limited production activities may be possible. Please carefully assess whether your activities can be postponed to L2. If not, please carefully assess each action and whether it complies with the guidelines and works to minimise risk at all points.
The key issue to consider for Level 3 is physical distancing. For instance – location scouting, with appropriate PPE, and in controlled circumstances, can be undertaken – depending on the ability to minimise contact / risk / avoidance of breaking bubbles.
Any activity needs to be able to adhere to physical distancing guidelines. This limits both prep and filming activities – e.g. close contact between crew such as a camera team who cannot be physically distanced, or performers and makeup/hair. Please see L3 guidance for full details.
Delta / Likely Updates to the Protocols:
As per updated Government guidance – some recommended guidelines are now mandatory / or should be applied in all circumstances, namely:
Face Coverings
Delta is more than twice as transmissible as previous COVID-19 variants. Please ensure mask wearing is in line with government recommendations and is more strictly adhered to. This is likely to also be required at Level 2 in more circumstances than previously.
Check-In/Contact Tracing
While everyone seemed to be doing well on this before, it is now mandatory in all circumstances for all sites, so ensure this is very closely adhered to.
Risk Minimisation
Eg Hygiene Procedures, Airflow, Contact Minimisation. Look to assess your pre-production, shooting (when allowed), and post production, around how you can increase hygiene and minimise contact. From wearing PPE, to limiting numbers and increasing airflow. These are all our tools to help minimise the risk of exposure and spread.
Testing/Vaccinations/Privacy & Health Concerns
Our revision is also likely to contain further guidance in this area. Until clarification is provided, please follow current MBIE guidance and ensure that human rights and privacy rights are respected at all times.
Registration with ScreenSafe
Please also ensure every production continues to register with ScreenSafe – https://screensafe.co.nz/covid19/registration/.
Any specific queries or concerns, please reach out to ScreenSafe at info@screenguild.co.nz or your industry organisation.
Ngā mihi,
SCREENSAFE NZ
Last updated on 2 September 2021
