A recent message posted by SAG-AFTRA National President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White addresses production halts within the SAG-AFTRA community. According to the letter, the organization is monitoring the current rise of COVID-19 cases, specifically in the California area and Los Angeles.
We are writing to let you know that we are closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 infections along with the reported lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds throughout the state of California and particularly in Los Angeles County. This is deeply concerning to us all and we have taken immediate action to connect with our epidemiologists and public health experts regarding the surge in cities across the nation.”
California Battles Second Surge of COVID-19
In the news, there is an unfortunate lack of ICU bed availability in California. In addition, the state’s regional stay-at-home order was extended without an end date. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautioned film industry members to be extra cognizant of pandemic protocols, with advice to pause work “for a few weeks.”
In response to the coronavirus surge, the SAG-AFTRA directors wrote that most productions will remain on hiatus until the second half of January 2021. The message continues with:
This means that the number of our member performers working on sets right now is reduced. Our safety protocols ensure appropriate precautions for the holiday hiatus period including additional time for testing prior to the resumption of production.”
Taking immediate action is essential to the health of all workers alike on and off-set. SAG-AFTRA will continue to oversee and supervise safety protocols per public health officials. The letter concludes with mindfulness, reminding everyone to practice social distancing and washing hands. There’s also the SAG-AFTRA Safety Tips for more information on how to stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Daily Update:
December 29, 2020
New Cases: 12,979 (746,089 to date)
New Deaths: 227 (9,782 to date)
Current Hospitalizations: 7,181 pic.twitter.com/baWng6uejU— LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 30, 2020
According to the LA Public Health Twitter account, there are currently 12,979 newly reported cases of COVID-19. As of December 29, 2020, Los Angeles County has accumulated 746,089 cases.
