Governor Hochul’s emergency COVID mandate went into effect yesterday (Dec. 13th). These rules: 1) require all people entering the business to be vaccinated or 2) require all people entering the business to wear a mask. The rules apply to local broadcast stations. A clarification has been issued regarding broadcast production and news casts. Bottom line – News anchors and on-air guests are not required to wear a mask while on-air, provided they keep 6 feet apart. Here is the exemption:
I operate TV or film production in New York State. If my entire production crew is not fully vaccinated by December 13th, does everyone have to wear masks while on-air or filming?
New York State’s new requirements apply to all indoor public places in all areas of New York State. The New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health, has established the following guidance for the production and broadcast of television and film, with regard to the Commissioner’s Determination.
Effective Monday, December 13, 2021 until Sunday, December 26, 2021, TV and film productions that do not implement a vaccination requirement for all individuals must ensure their operations are in accordance with the following:
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- Individuals appearing on camera (e.g., anchors, actors, guests) may remove face coverings while filming is taking place, under the condition that they maintain a distance of at least six feet from all other individuals (e.g., crew members, production staff).
- When such individuals are not conducting live filming, they must wear face masks at all times except when actively eating or drinking, or alone in an enclosed room.
- All other individuals (e.g., crew members, production staff) must wear face masks at all times except when actively eating or drinking, or alone in an enclosed room.
Note the exemption is effective only through December 26th. No other industry has been granted such an exemption. We are now receiving conflicting signals whether this exception will be extended. There are some arguing that the new rule amount to “back door” vaccination requirement. We will keep a close watch on this issue for you.
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