ScreenSafe – Screen Industry Guidance – COVID-19 Protocols V4.0 Update
Tuesday 17th May 2022
The ScreenSafe COVID-19 Protocols have now been updated. New Zealand has been through the peak of the Omicron outbreak, the Government has eased many restrictions and the borders are now opening up to the outside world.
While the easing of restrictions will come as a huge relief to everyone, please note that new future variants may result in restrictions being brought back. Being careful and practicing good hygiene measures, both at home and at work, is our best chance at reducing new outbreaks.
ScreenSafe COVID-19 Updated Protocols
ScreenSafe COVID-19 Traffic Light Guidance
The key updates are:
No Requirement to Use QR Codes or to Contact Trace
Businesses no longer have to display a QR Code poster, although some businesses may still choose to use them. Productions are still encouraged to have contact tracing of some sort in place to prevent a wider production outbreak, but it is no longer a Government requirement.
No Requirement to Use My Vaccine Pass
There is no longer a requirement to use My Vaccine Pass. The Non-Vaccination Passport sections of the Protocols have now been removed and all productions will work under the same regulations.
If a productions choose to use vaccination passports, they must undertake a health and safety risk assessment, along with any other relevant legal assessment, to ensure they are not unlawfully discriminating against workers within the workplace. A production must undertake a COVID-19 health and safety risk assessment to ascertain if there are any roles within production that require vaccination. A risk assessment might identify that some work can only be undertaken by a vaccinated employee for work health and safety purposes – for example, where the risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 at work is higher than it is in the community. Productions should follow WorkSafe’s advice and guidance in respect of how to conduct a health and safety risk assessment, and may also wish to seek independent legal advice.
Updated Testing & Isolation Requirements
Updated as per current Government guidelines. The self-isolation period is now only 7 days. This applies to Household Contacts, but not Close Contacts. Close Contacts should monitor for symptoms for 10 days.
Long COVID & COVID-19 in the Workplace
Updates on managing an outbreak in the production, including information about Long COVID and its potential impact on a workforce.
My Vaccine Pass To Be Replaced
In early June the Government will roll out a new vaccination verification system, replacing the current My Vaccine Pass. We will send out additional information when this becomes available.
Immigration, International and Domestic Travel
New Zealand is re-opening its borders to the outside world. These sections of the protocols have been almost completely rewritten, but we urge you to also seek out the latest Government information. Things are constantly changing in regards to immigration and international travel requirements.
Mask Wearing is Still Crucial
Although use of QR Codes and Vaccination Passports are being phased out, it is worth noting that proper use of face masks is one of our best tools for fighting this virus.
While some productions will choose not to use QR Codes and Vaccination Passports, please note that our key tools will still remain: good mask wearing, physical distancing, good hygiene and good ventilation. And as always – DO NOT come to work if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
Sincerely,
The ScreenSafe COVID-19 Group
Email: info@screensafe.co.nz
Last updated on 18 May 2022
