Last Updated: 01/18/2022
These guidelines are a set of best practices designed to ensure the safety of production crew, talent and other participants while out in the field during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to providing a safe working environment for all participants in our productions. The guidelines have been created based on guidance offered by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and by state and local government.
Please note that due to the evolving nature of the pandemic and the variety of local environments where we conduct our work, these instructions cannot be considered “complete” and are subject to change based on new information about the virus and at the discretion of staff and other individuals involved in the production process.
Please exercise your best judgement and caution in protecting yourself and others during production.
Even if you have recovered from a COVID-19 infection or received a COVID-19 vaccination the CDC recommends following COVID-19 safety protocols.
Screening for COVID-19
Due to the nature of the virus transmission, it is important that all people involved in any production screen themselves for risk of transmission of COVID-19. In the 24 hours prior to production, please screen yourself for the following, and inform the production team if any items apply to you. We will use this itemized list to discuss additional precautions, if necessary, to keep everyone safe:
- Symptoms including (but not limited to): Fever, cough, shortness of breath, new loss of taste and smell. For a full list please see the CDC link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
- Recent contact prior week with someone who tested positive or is presumed positive for COVID-19, or who you suspect may have COVID-19 based on their symptoms.
- If you have a pending test for the COVID-19 virus.
- If you have been told to isolate due to an COVID-19 exposure.
After our production date, if you or someone you were in close contact with within 1 week prior or after the production date tests positive for COVID-19, please notify the team immediately in order to take the appropriate precautions.
Minimizing the Spread
Our staff will take every precaution to ensure their safety and the safety of others to minimize exposure while working in the field. This will include wearing appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE), and maintaining a physical distance of at least six feet from other individuals.
Our staff has also been trained in spatial awareness and equipment arrangement to enhance protective measures against COVID-19 and will share, when applicable, these practices with others involved in production.
During the filming we will use appropriate zoom lenses to maintain safe distance. We will also use off-camera microphones as a primary source of audio recording. If it is essential to attach a lavalier (lapel) microphone we will take the necessary precautions during placement on the body.
Expectations
Those involved in production should follow basic guidelines including but not limited to the proper use of PPE, hand sanitizing, and physical distancing (minimum of six feet, or about the length of a small car).
Face coverings
Face coverings must be worn at all times, except when participating in an interview or spoken remarks at a socially distanced microphone. The face covering should be at least 3-ply and cover your nose and mouth without slipping while on your face. Please be sure to test your face covering for slippage and coverage before meeting with the production team.
- Always wash hands or sanitize before putting on a face covering.
- Avoid touching the outside of the face covering, and never put the outside of the covering against your face.
- If a face covering must be removed individual should make sure they are as far away from others as possible, but they should be no less than (6) feet from another individual, following the above guidelines for safe removal.
- Surgical masks and cloth masks (homemade or purchased) are acceptable types of face coverings, provided they cover both the mouth and nose simultaneously without being manually held into place. Bandanas, gaiters, masks with exhalation valves/vents, towels, scarves, and any covering that is unable to stay in place without the use of one’s hands is not sufficient.
- Disposable masks will be available emergency usage.
Social Distancing
- Maintain at least six (6) feet of distance from others at all times.
- Elevator capacities should be limited to one (1) person per ride, unless otherwise noted.
- Avoid gathering in groups and in confined areas.
- Meetings should still be held virtually or by telephone whenever possible.
- Physical contact should be avoided, including shaking hands, “high fives,” fist or elbow bumps, or hugging.
Hand hygiene
Please ensure proper hand washing is done, wherever possible, after coming in contact with any shared surfaces or equipment. Outside hand washing stations are appreciated.
Here is a useful hand washing protocol tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbX0xwKORjk
When hand washing is not possible on the site, please be sure to bring hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) to use throughout production. Please remember that sanitizing alone is only a precaution and should not replace hand washing, if possible.
CDC hand sanitizing FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/faqs.html#hand-sanitizer-and-wipes
If you become aware that anyone participating in the production may have had an exposure to COVID-19, please immediately inform our team, so we can take the appropriate precautions.
