The procedure allowed film and television sets to start operating again after an industry-wide lockdown at the start of the pandemic.
Hollywood’s Covid policy is set to expire for the film and television industry next month, including the mandate that required all cast and crew to get vaccinated in order to receive employment.
The policy began in September 2020 through an agreement between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Hollywood unions. The procedure allowed film and television sets to start operating again after an industry-wide lockdown at the start of the pandemic.
The policy was supposed to end on April 30, 2021. However, it was extended several times, including earlier that year in June, when the set’s producers were asked to “implement mandatory vaccination policies for cast and crew in Zone A in a production-base of sub-production”. Zone A is where unmasked actors work in a restricted area on set.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers released a statement on Friday (March 31), announcing that its decision aligns with the US Department of Health and Human Services, which also recently announced its new policy.
“The date coincides with the US Department of Health and Human Services end to the federal declaration of a COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11,” they said.
In recent months, the mask mandate has become somewhat controversial. In February, Woody Harrelson mocked the policy as “absurd” in an interview with the New York Times.
“I don’t think anyone should have the right to demand that they force you to get tested, wear the mask and get vaccinated three years later,” he said. “I’m like, let’s end this nonsense.”
Tim Robbins backed up his statement by saying, “Woody is right. It’s time to end this farce.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
