Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1325752
72 SAG-AFTRA | Winter 2021 | sagaftra.org If the rules aren't being followed, it's important for members to report it to the union right away, before it potentially turns into an outbreak that could jeopardize lives and end the project. Again, it is imperative that members comply with mandatory COVID-19 safety protocols on set, including mask-wearing, and employ common sense both on and off set. Whenever possible, please wear a mask, practice social distancing, including in settings away from production, and wash your hands frequently. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's chief operating officer and general counsel, who has played a major role in developing the safety measures, said the provisions are focused on minimizing risk. "It's important to recognize that this is not about creating an environment that is 100% safe. There is not, during this time of COVID, a situation where we can guarantee 100% safety, or that producers or anyone else can provide for 100% safety. So, in everything we're doing, it's about mitigating the risk and reducing the risk of COVID infection in connection with employment. "Every single member of SAG-AFTRA has to make the decision for themselves about what levels of risk they're prepared to accept and whether it's the right time for them to return to work. But for those who are ready to return to work, we believe that the protocols that have been agreed to with the producers and the other unions do provide a level of safety in the workplace that makes it appropriate for people to be able to return to work. And that is a science-based decision — this is not a political decision; it is not an opinion or positioning. This is based on guidance that we've received from the epidemiologists and industrial hygiene experts who have consulted with us and the other unions and that have been a part of this process." As for commercial shoots, Crabtree-Ireland noted that a similar process is going on right now with the ad industry's Joint Policy Committee, but noted, "It's a little more complicated, because in the case of the AMPTP, all of the unions negotiate with the same negotiating partner. In commercials, SAG-AFTRA negotiates with one entity — the JPC — and the other three unions all negotiate with a separate entity — the Association of Independent Commercial Producers. So, we are coordinating our efforts and we are trying to push forward basically similar protocols that would be adjusted for the purposes of the type of short-duration productions that most commercials are. We do expect to have protocols that will apply on a blanket basis to all commercials as soon as possible, working jointly with the other unions." The labor movement continues to lead the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the institution of the unions' The Safe Way Forward protocols, member John Goodman said he had no doubt every safety precaution had been taken when ABC's The Conners returned to production. It's uncertain how long masks, social distancing, zones and testing will be the on-set norm, but Goodman remains upbeat. "It's just another damn thing we have to deal with," he told The New York Times. "I'm thrilled we're able to make a show at all." For additional information, guidelines and FAQs, visit sagaftra.org/backtowork. In the new season of NCIS: New Orleans, the team is working murder cases during the pandemic. CCH Pounder as Dr. Loretta Wade and Rob Kerkovich as Agent Sebastian Lund examine a cadaver while wearing PPE. GREG GAYNE/NBC CBS BROADCASTING, INC. Ben Feldman is directed by Victor Nelli, Jr. on the set of NBC's Superstore.