Friday 1 July 2022
This is a reminder to all of the New Zealand Screen Sector that the ScreenSafe COVID-19 Protocols are still in place to make sure you keep each other safe on set.
We understand that it is tough keeping productions going under the current climate but we want to remind everyone that your health and safety is important. COVID is impacting on our sets around the country so please if you are unwell – please don’t come to work. Even if you are testing negative and you have symptoms we advise you to please stay at home.
Please continue to register your production on the ScreenSafe website registration form.
Here are the links to all of the information you need to follow the protocols:
ScreenSafe COVID 19 Production Registration Form
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 productions choose to use vaccination passports, they must undertake a robust 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 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.
Immigration, International and Domestic Travel
New Zealand has reopened 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
With many productions choosing not to use vaccination passports, the use of face masks is more important than ever. Please wear a mask to protect your colleagues, yourself and your family. Wearing a face mask will assist with the productions continuation when there are undetected positive case within a production.
If you do test positive or are a household contact you can receive financial support here.
While some productions will choose not to use QR Codes and Vaccination Passports, please note that our key tools will still remain: mask wearing, physical distancing, hygiene and increased 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