Nova Scotia is ready to roll with new COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for screen industry
Filming is preparing to ramp up in Nova Scotia with new coronavirus pandemic health and safety guidelines in place. Screen Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Related Health & Safety Guidelines for the Screen Industry recently received approval from Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health, as well as the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
The guidelines, which align with provincial and federal public health and safety protocols, were developed as a response to the Public Health Order (PHO) and to promote the safe return to work for those employed in the film and television industry. The original PHO did not close businesses in the film and television sector, which remained open and can continue to operate. Once a production has a practical and reliable health and safety plan in place, filming can happen.
Screen Nova Scotia, in partnership with local unions and guilds, is currently drafting a detailed set of suggested practices for specific departments as appendices. These supplemental guidelines will act as a complement to the health and safety guidelines, and will further help producers, cast, and crew navigate safe workplace conditions, and adapt to new ways of working.
“The safety of those employed in the screen industry is our first priority, and now that industry is armed with a reliable Health and Safety document we’re hopeful for a strong rest of the year for production in Nova Scotia.” said Laura Mackenzie, Executive Director, Screen Nova Scotia. “While we know no place is immune to a second wave, we’re grateful to have passed the milestone of two weeks with zero active cases. That, along with the fact that we’re less densely populated than many jurisdictions in Canada, has put us in an excellent position to have the many Nova Scotians employed in the film and TV business begin work again.”
Screen Nova Scotia has also launched a new webpage dedicated to supplying key information on filming in Nova Scotia during the coronavirus pandemic. This page includes links to the approved health and safety guidelines and appendices; Immigration information including navigating Temporary Foreign Workers through CBSA, customs, and into Nova Scotia; PPE procurement lists; government resources and support programs; frequently asked questions about filming in the province; and helpful links and documents.
COVID-19: Production in Nova Scotia webpage: HERE
COVID-19 Related Health & Safety Guidelines for the Screen Industry: HERE