Update to the ScreenSafe COVID-19 Protocols
5th October 2021
Please find the links below and pdf’s attached to the revised ScreenSafe COVID-19 Protocols, including a cover letter outlining the key updates, revised departmental roles and alert levels.
As you have seen from recent events, government guidelines, both for private and business situations, will continue to change as we adapt to a life with a mostly vaccinated population. However, the ScreenSafe Protocols remains a strong and vital source for best practice screen work during this pandemic. They have been through both NZFC and peer review, and should be followed for all screen industry work.
In regards to yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister – like us, you might have found it more confusing than enlightening, as it spoke more to personal situations than controlled work sites, and did not yet contain clear timeframes with practical relevance to the screen industry.
However, it referred to Phases 1-3 within the current Alert Level 3, and in the past we’ve been considered alongside Hairdressing, Hospitality and other close contact work which looks like it may be allowed at Phase 3. We have reached out to WorkSafe for additional clarity around Phases 2 and 3 – and will pass that on as soon as they get guidance from government.
In the meantime, Auckland and Waikato based productions should continue to follow ScreenSafe Level 3 guidelines, with the key restrictions still being:
- No Close Proximity Work
- Limited people on set, particularly in confined spaces with limited or poor ventilation.
Finally – this is a great time to get vaccinated if you feel comfortable doing so. It is the best way you can protect yourself, your family and your colleagues.
And it may be the road map for our country and industry to fully open up again. https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz/
If you have specific questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us or any of your regular safety officers.
Below are the links to the current updates:
Updated ScreenSafe COVID H&S Protocols
Updated ScreenSafe Alert Levels
I would like to thank the ScreenSafe COVID Health and Safety team for reviewing these protocols and a special thank you to the New Zealand Film Commission for funding the review.
Ngā mihi,
Kelly Lucas
Executive Officer
Screen Industry Guild Aotearoa New Zealand Inc.
(Previously the NZ Film & Video Technicians’ Guild Inc.)
Last updated on 5 October 2021
