MUMBAI: SAG-AFTRA leaders have informed their members that most entertainment production houses will remain on hiatus through at least the middle of January. The details come a day after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health requested the film and TV industry to consider pausing production for a few weeks during the ongoing surge in new Covid2019 cases throughout the county.

SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris and national executive director David White said, “We are closely monitoring the recent surge in Covid2019 infections along with the reported lack of intensive care unit 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.”

Production of films and TV shows will stay on hiatus until the second or third week of January if not later. This means that the number of its member performers working on sets right now will be reduced. They stressed adherence to safety protocols to ensure appropriate precautions for the holiday hiatus period, including additional time for testing prior to the resumption of production.

“To ensure the utmost safety, we are in close contact with our sister unions and guilds, the industry, our expert epidemiologists, industrial sanitation specialists, public health officials, member leaders and staff. We remain focused on ensuring the safest possible work environment and protocols for SAG-AFTRA members,” Carteris and White stated.

They added that SAG-AFTRA will continue to monitor the situation and its impact on production and employment in all contract areas, and take appropriate measures as needed to ensure the continued safety of members and others.

In the meantime, studios have been urged to remain vigilant and adhere to the safety principles to protect themselves, their families, communities and colleagues.