ScreenSafe – SCREEN INDUSTRY GUIDANCE – COVID-19 UPDATE – – The End of the Traffic Light System
Monday 12th September
As of 11:59pm on Monday 12 September, the COVID-19 Protection Framework (AKA the Traffic Light System) ended. With case numbers falling, a highly vaccinated population, and increased access to antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19, public health experts say it is safe to remove most COVID-19 rules and end border restrictions.
This means that for most settings, including work places and film shoots, we can go back to “life as normal”. Mask wearing, physical distancing, testing, etc. is no longer a Government requirement in most situations. Though don’t be surprised if you are still asked to wear a mask. And some people will still chose to wear one.
Safety Protocols for the Screen Industry
As of Monday night, the ScreenSafe COVID-19 Protocols are no longer valid. But please note that COVID-19 has by no means been eradicated. And it will still be part of our lives for the foreseeable future.
Depending on the individual needs of a production, the specific requirements of a scene or location, or the personal situation of a crew or cast member, some productions may still need to utilise some of the many safety measures we’ve gotten used to over the last few years, including mask wearing, testing, vaccination status and the use of health declarations and release deeds. It’s up to each production to clearly state their intention. If a production sees the need for putting in place additional COVID-19 safety measures, we recommend that they engage with the crew and the safety team as early as possible.
Personal Responsibility
While regular testing and mask wearing will not be mandatory for most productions, personal responsibly for yourself and your colleagues will become more important.
Most of us are freelance contractors and don’t have the safety net that employees have with sick days, etc. So if we can’t work, we don’t get paid… This goes for both yourself and your colleagues.
If you feel sick, please notify production and/or safety. Please test when unwell or if you are a household contact.
Where is Mask Wearing Still Mandatory?
Masks will still be required in hospitals and other healthcare facilities like medical centres, pharmacies, A&E, etc.
New Rules for Household Contacts
Positive cases must still self-isolate for at least 7 days, but Household Contacts no longer need to isolate. If you live with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, we recommend you:
Travellers Arriving Into New Zealand
Vaccination requirements for travellers arriving in New Zealand will end, including air crew.
People entering New Zealand will be given free RATs and are recommend to test on the day they arrive and on day 5 or 6.
Mental health support
COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Effective mental health tools are available to help people recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Looking after your mental wellbeing
Previous COVID -19 Updates:
COVID-19 Protocols V4.0 UPDATE
Updated: 2nd June 2022
Click here for an overview of the update.
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
ScreenSafe COVID 19 Health and Safety Standard – updated 18th January 2022
These documents need to be read and utilised together. These documents are intended to give Production Companies and HOD’s guidance and forms to manage Covid 19 on a working production.
For those of you with smaller crews: Small crew guidelines
Departmental Roles:
A special thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and expertise to the creation of these department roles.
ScreenSafe is not a hotline for specific Health & Safety issues or concerns, please direct these to your Health & Safety representative or WorkSafe
For more information about any of the initiatives ScreenSafe is working on please speak to your relevant Guild representative or contact info@screensafe.co.nz
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