Please fill the form below BEFORE the photoshoot date.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause diseases in animals, and although rare, seven coronaviruses (including COVID-19) have made the jump to humans.
COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system and starts in the lungs, causing pneumonia-like symptoms.
For most, the disease can be quite mild and only cause cold-like symptoms, whereas it can be life threatening for those with pre-existing conditions and/or over 65.
How Do Coronaviruses Impact the Human Body?
Upon infection, COVID-19 begins making copies of itself and invading new cells – like other viruses, its sole purpose is to replicate. During the !rst 1-2 weeks, an infected person may spread the virus as it multiplies within them.
If the immune system does not destroy the virus during the initial phase, it begins to attack the lungs and spread throughout the body. Once the lungs are infected, some may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
There is not yet a cure or vaccine for COVID-19, which is why it is so important to learn about prevention and how it is transmitted.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms generally appear 2-14 days after exposure. Prior to showing symptoms, infected individuals are still contagious.
Most common symptoms:
- fever
- dry cough tiredness
Less common symptoms:
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- diarrhoea
- conjunctivitis (also known as Pink Eye) headache
- loss of taste or smell
- a rash on skin, or discolouration of !ngers or toes
Serious symptoms:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath chest pain or pressure
- chest pain or pressure
- loss of speech or movement
If you, someone you care for, or someone in your crew is experiencing any of these symptoms, please call a healthcare provider or facility for guidance.
Who is at Risk?
COVID-19 is extremely contagious, everyone is at risk of contracting this virus and spreading it to others. The virus has a much higher infection rate compared to the seasonal !u because 40% to 60% of carriers experience no symptoms (asymptomatic) or are mildly symptomatic and may unknowingly spread it to others.
Tip: If you and your team pretend that everyone you encounter is COVID-19 positive, it will change how you conduct yourselves during your production.
People at Increased Risk
Anyone over age 65
Cardiovascular disease (including long term high blood pressure) – even when treated, the existing damage caused by these diseases put people at higher risk
Diabetes – even when treated, the existing damage and impaired immune system puts these people at higher risk
Immunocompromised individuals
Anyone taking medications to suppress the immune system – typically used in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Severe Asthma and other in!ammatory disorders
Transmission of COVID-19
The virus is known to spread through the following methods:
- Between people who are in close contact with one another.
- Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings.
Close Contact
Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, even inside your home.
Where possible, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) between the person who is sick and other household members.
Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
Remember that infected people without symptoms are still able to spread the virus.
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm’s length) from other people. Do not gather in groups.
Avoid small indoor spaces with other people, the less air!ow the greater the chance of transmission.
Stay out of crowded places (indoors or out) and avoid mass gatherings.
Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Respiratory Droplets
An infected person exhales the virus with every breath, which is why it is recommended to keep a 6 foot distance from one another. However, if the infected person is singing, yelling, coughing or sneezing, droplets can travel further than 6 feet.
To mitigate the risk of your team transmitting the virus through respiratory droplets, it is recommended to take the following precautions:
- All personnel on set should be wearing a mask. A mask or face cover should su!ce, an N95 mask or respirator is not required.
- Boom poles should be considered instead of lavalier/lapel microphones when possible.
- If a microphone is in close contact with a cast member, it should be designated to that talent, clearly labelled with the talent’s name, and disinfected before and after use.
- Two-way radios (walkies) should not be shared and should be disinfected thoroughly between uses.
Surfaces
COVID-19 can remain on surfaces for several hours or a few days, depending on the material. It is important to sanitize or wipe down any high touch surfaces or shared gear frequently to help mitigate the risk of the virus being transmitted amongst your team.
Along with sanitizing frequently, it is important to minimize the number of crew touching the same items. Overall, strive for consistency for which props or equipment are being handled by whom (i.e. the production designer is the only one touching props, stylist handles costumes, location’s PA handles all location signs, etc.).
Teams should not share personal or work items (i.e. laptops, pens, phones).
Tip: During breaks in activity, encourage your crew to use the time to wipe down nearby high touch surfaces and gear.
PREVENTION
Handwashing
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands as they may be a source of transmission.
Wash your hands:
- with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- after you have been in a public place
- after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- if they are visibly dirty or soiled
When using sanitizer, cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
When to Handwash and Sanitize
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds often. If soap and water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.
Wash or sanitize your hands:
- Before and after handling your mask
- Before eating or preparing food
- Before touching your face
- After using the restroom
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
While public health agencies recommend hand sanitizers with 60-90% alcohol, some preliminary studies show that hand sanitizers with an alcohol content greater than 70% are most e!ective.
Social/Physical Distancing
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus. Firstly, this means respecting physical distancing (also known as social distancing) when out in public. Governing bodies recommend maintaining 6 feet of distance between people who do not live in the same residence. This includes people you are meeting or speaking with, and even those you pass by without speaking to.
All people in a residence are e!ectively 1 person, which means if a person leaves the house, it is the same as everyone going with them. Remember this when you are seeing clients, casting, working on set, in edit, etc. The decision to forego distancing may mean you bring something home to those you love.
While municipalities, state/provincial, or federal governments may ease social distancing restrictions over time as case numbers and risk of exposure decreases, it is still important to keep distancing practices in mind to prevent future infection.
Physical Distancing Challenges for the Film Industry
With an average production having a cast and crew of 10-50 people – with some !lm crews being much larger – distancing on set will be a challenge. However, if you coordinate with your team ahead of time and make sure that everyone is aware of the guidelines they should follow, it can be managed.
Distancing guidelines to practice on set:
- When possible, only have one department in a work area at a time.
- Keep your cast and crew in separate areas and limit the number of crew interacting with the cast. The less people they interact with, the better, as losing one of your main actors can ruin or postpone the entire shoot.
- Arrange your production schedule to have the least amount of people on set at a time. When possible, coordinate grouping shots with the same talent prior to shots with the larger cast to mitigate risk.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected often. Certain surfaces may need to be disinfected at least three times during production (before, during, and after), such as equipment and high-touch points.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them with soap/detergents and water prior to disinfection.
- Follow up with a disinfectant approved by your governing body.
- Do not disinfect a dirty surface without cleaning it !rst.
SOURCES
World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms.html
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
The Safe Way Forward. DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and Teamsters
https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/ProductionSafetyGuidelines_June2020EditedP.pdf
Section 21 Film and Television Health and Safety Advisory Committee of the Ontario
https://www.filmsafety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/S21-Film-Television-COVID19-Guidance-June.25.20.pdf
The Atlantic; Social Distancing Is Not Enough. Derek Thompson
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/05/how-will-we-ever-be-safe-inside/611953/
Science Magazine; How Does Coronavirus Kill? Wadman, Couzin-Frankel, Kaiser, Matacic
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/04/how-does-coronavirus-kill-clinicians-trace-ferocious-rampage-through-body-brain-toes
Closed environments facilitate secondary transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Nishiura Et al.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.28.20029272v2.full.pdf
Extended use or re-use of single-use surgical masks and filtering facepiece respirators: A rapid evidence review. Toomey, Conway, Et al.
https://www.cebm.net/covid-19/extended-use-or-re-use-of-single-use-surgical-masks-and-filtering-facepiece-respirators-a-rapid-evidence-review/
Business Insider; One Chart Shows How Long the Coronavirus Lives on Surfaces Like Cardboard, Plastic, Wood, and Steel. Woodward
https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-lifespan-on-surfaces-graphic-2020-3
Barbicide
https://barbicide.com/covid-19/
Set Scouter
https://help.setscouter.com/en/collections/2201825-coronavirus-information
Personal Protective Equipment – PPE
Masks
Masks should always be worn when on set to help reduce the transmission of viruses, protect you from others, and protect others if you are a carrier. When wearing a mask, consider the following:
- Proper usage of a mask is when it covers from the bridge of your nose to below your chin, with minimal gaping on the sides.
- Any mask that does not enclose both the mouth and nose is not an acceptable form of mask/face covering because infectious transmission can occur when respiratory droplets escape through any gaps.
- It is recommended to use, at minimum, a 3-layer mask or face covering for all on set. Options include a surgical mask, non-surgical medical mask, or reusable cloth masks with a minimum of 3 layers (or 2 layers with a removable or non-removable !lter in between).
- Masks should not have an exhalation valve because these valves allow respiratory droplets to spread outside the mask.
- Plastic or other non-breathable materials should not be used as a face covering or face mask. The exception to this are reusable masks that include a sealed plastic window in front of the mouth, ideal for working with those hard of hearing.
- Fit-tested N95 masks should be saved for medical professionals performing aerosol-generating medical procedures and are not recommended for the general public.
- Consult your association, union, or public health o”ce for guidelines on when an N95 respirator is appropriate.
Wearing a mask properly throughout your production is a sign of respect for
Wearing a mask properly throughout your production is a sign of respect for
those around you, showing them that you value their health and safety. This is particularly important to talent, as they are the most at risk on set since they cannot wear PPE due to makeup, hair, and wardrobe.
Tip: Staying hydrated is important, particularly with long shoot days. Take water breaks 6+ feet away from the rest of the crew or in a secluded area to mitigate risk when removing your mask to drink.
Eye Protection
- It is recommended to wear a form of eye protection to prevent respiratory droplets from reaching your eyes.
- Eye protection can be in the form of goggles or a face shield.
- Face shields act as a barrier from touching your face, preventing unnecessary face touching and possible transmission.
- While glasses (prescription, non-prescription, sunglasses) do not provide the same level of eye protection as goggles or a face shield, they may serve as a partial barrier.
- In all instances, eye protection should be worn in conjunction with a mask.
Gloves
Handwashing (with soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitizer) is su!cient for most people on set. If your position requires gloves, or you choose to use them, consider the following:
- Use disposable gloves made of nitrile, latex, or vinyl.
- Gloves should be replaced frequently, used only once, and never worn for extended periods of time without being replaced.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after removing gloves with soap and water.
- Proper disposal of gloves is important, dispose in trash receptacle to avoid potential contamination.
Scouting Locations
Per physical distancing guidelines, scouting locations should be done virtually when possible (i.e. video call).
If a scout requires a physical presence, the following guidelines should be considered:
- Limit personnel attending the location scout as much as possible. Encourage one person to attend the scout and video call in the remaining crew.
- For residential locations, ask the occupants to have anyone non-essential leave the premises (e.g. go for a walk) and contain pets while the scout is taking place.
- Keep a 6 foot distance from others at all times.
- Wear a face cover and booties (or an alternative pair of shoes) for the duration of the scout.
- Locations with high foot tra!c should be avoided. If needed, ensure that the set has adequate space to limit interaction with those not on set.
- Wash your hands before and after visiting each location.
- Keep your conversations outdoors when possible.
- Avoid touching any door handles, “xtures or appliances – if a light needs to be switched on or a door needs to be opened, ask the location owner to do so on your behalf.
Tip: When scouting a location for your next shoot, consider that you’ll need enough space for your crew to socially distance themselves. Keep an eye out for locations that are spacious, have good air#ow and lot’s of outdoor space. Avoid cramped spaces with little ventilatio
Prepping Locations
- Set up a screening/sign-in area on the perimeter of the set, ideally away from heavy foot tra!c. Going paperless is encouraged.
- Review the entrances and exits of the location to ensure that individuals can only enter the set after they’ve received the appropriate screening.
- Place “oor markers 6 feet apart in any high tra!c areas, as well as spaces that crew will be gathering (i.e. craft services, sign in/screening area, etc).
- Consider using larger tents with portable AC or heat in lieu of trailers or motorhomes for cast and crew.
- Hand washing and sanitation guides should be posted throughout locations (i.e. bathrooms, makeup rooms, wardrobe, etc.) with arrows to the closest washing station where applicable.
- Provide hand washing stations throughout locations. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol based hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
- If restroom use is a concern for the location, consider temporary outdoor toilets and sinks.
- Identify areas for holding and break, ensure they provide enough space to maintain physical distancing.
- Identify an area on set where a crew member could self isolate, if needed.
- Identify an area for deliveries, where packages can be isolated and sanitized before being brought on set.
- Ensure there is a su!cient amount of garbage receptacles on set, and that they are in the appropriate places (such as wardrobe, hair & makeup, crafts entrance/exit, etc.) to capture any potentially contaminated waste.
Your location prep should also include cleaning and properly sanitizing the location for the health and safety of your crew. If you’re not able to coordinate this internally, consider hiring a professional cleaner or disinfection service.
Tip: When possible, designate di#erent areas for each department, to avoid unnecessary interactions between departments while crew are on standby.
Transportation
When possible, self-drive to production, sets, scouts, and meetings.
If carpooling:
- Wipe down vehicle interiors (seats, handles, etc.) frequently. Require that everyone wear face covers
- Limit the number of people in each vehicle to ensure that a safe distance can be maintained
- Try to keep car windows open as much as possible for increased ventilation
Craft and Catering
- Ensure the caterer has su!cient safety and hygiene practices in place to help stop the transmission of COVID-19.
- Eliminate bu”et and group self serve options (including snacks like fruit trays) when possible. Consider providing box lunches, wrapped options (sandwiches, burgers, etc.), or other individually portioned meals.
- Anyone preparing and/or serving food should be wearing a mask and gloves.
- Stagger meal times for di”erent departments to help keep distancing measures in place.
- Require that all personnel wash their hands before entering the craft services area and provide sanitization at entrances/exits.
- Cast and crew should be welcome to bring their own food (if that is their preference).
- Water bottles should be labelled to avoid cross contamination. Individually wrapped utensils (or similar) is recommended.
Hair & Makeup
Hair and makeup artists cannot fully avoid contact with cast members, and therefore are one of the most at-risk positions on set. However, certain steps can be taken to reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting the virus during interactions.
- Due to their proximity to talent, artists should wear appropriate PPE by equipping themselves ideally with a face shield (eye protection should be worn if unavailable) and mask. Talent should wear a mask during hair if they have yet to undergo makeup.
- Keep chairs a minimum of 6 feet apart and limit the number of performers receiving styling at the same time. It’s also recommended to put up physical barriers between stations and sanitize between sessions.
- Artists should wash their hands frequently. It’s recommended that hair and make-up artists wash up to their elbow, as their arm may come in contact with the performer while the work is being done.
- Avoid wearing jewelry and arti!cial nails while working. If required for religious or personal reasons, it is recommended to wear gloves and change them frequently and between performers.
- Single use brushes and applicators are highly recommended. When not possible, all brushes and applicators must be sanitized between uses. All other equipment should undergo deep cleaning before and after each shoot.
- When possible, talent should undertake their own ‘minor touch ups’. Doing so throughout production reduces contact between the artists and talent.
- Avoid hair and makeup for background actors. Request that non-key talent come to the shoot with their hair and makeup already styled. Artists can provide looks in advance, and/or connect with them over a video call to provide direction prior to the shoot.
- Restrict food and drink in the makeup area while work is being performed.
Shooting in Tight Spaces
The risk of infection indoors is signi!cantly higher than open-air environments.
When possible, setting up tents and work areas outdoors for di!erent departments (i.e. video village, craft services, wardrobe, etc.) will help your crew maintain a safe distance from each other and provide them with an environment with lots of air “ow.
Tip: If outdoor space is limited, ask people to wait in their vehicles or nearby. If waiting outdoors is not an option (due to space, weather, etc.) consider renting an additional location to safely house the cast & crew.
Screening Your Crew for COVID-19
Producers should have all shoot attendees complete a questionnaire to determine their risk of having contracted COVID-19. Once they have been cleared, follow up regularly to con!rm that they are still in good health leading up to the shoot, and follow up throughout the shoot. Remind them to self report if anything changes in order to protect themselves and others.
Below are some standard screening questions that should be used to assess whether a crew member could have contracted COVID-19.
- Areyoucurrentlyexperiencingacough,shortnessofbreath,fever,sore throat, diarrhea, or any other cold or “u like symptoms? Or have you recently experienced any symptoms?
- HaveyoubeenincontactwithanyonewhohasknownsymptomsofCOVID- 19, or been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive, or are you waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test?
- Haveyoutravelledinthelast14days?
If the answer is “Yes” to any of these questions, the crew member should not be permitted on set and should be referred to their primary healthcare provider.
Practical Considerations to Mitigate Risks
- Limit the crew on set to essential members only. Minimize unnecessary contact between departments.
- If crew need to work in close proximity, they should always be working with the same person(s).
- Stagger call times to minimize the number of people on set at a given time.
- Have a schedule in place for disinfecting high touch surfaces throughout the day.
- Discontinue hand shaking and avoid person-to-person contact.
- Keep a record (including contact information) of everyone that visits or enters the set, in case an outbreak occurs and contact tracing needs to be done. Record keeping should be assigned to one person for the duration of the production.
Feeling Safe on Set
Regardless of municipal, state/provincial, or federal requirements, you must maintain a standard of health and safety protocols that your crew and cast expect.
- Reach out to your crew and cast in advance to communicate what you’re doing to make your set as safe as possible. This will allow them to feel more con!dent and comfortable about going back to set.
- Mention that you’ve completed the Safe SetsTM COVID-19 Level A certi!cate, share it amongst your crew, and encourage them to also get certi!ed.
- Encourage your crew to ask questions to alleviate any concerns.
- Discuss any signs of a health concern with your team and recommend medical care when appropriate.
- Share the belief with your crew that taking the time to perform proper infection control is good for your production and everyones well-being.
- Have outbreak procedures ready in advance for any crew that test positive or show symptoms on set. Planning ahead will help ensure that if someone does present with symptoms of COVID-19, it’s handled safely and appropriately.