An important update about the new Province-Wide Shutdown restrictions announced earlier yesterday by Premier Ford.

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the province has made the difficult decision to increase public health restrictions across Ontario over the coming weeks. CION is pleased to communicate that there will be no changes to the restrictions for the film and television industry at this time, due to the concerted and tireless efforts made by all film workers and municipal film offices to maintain safe working environments that follow health and safety protocols and extensive testing regimes.

Film and television production, post-production, visual effects and animation, including all supporting activities such as hair, makeup and wardrobe may proceed with the following restrictions:

·       No studio audiences permitted to be on the film or television set

·       No more than 10 performers may be permitted to be on the film or television set

·       Set must be configured and operated in such a way as to enable persons on the set to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from other persons, except where necessary for the filming of the film or television production

·       Persons who provide hair or makeup services must wear appropriate personal protective equipment

·       Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier

Because there have been no changes to the restrictions, the number of performers allowed on set is limited to 10. This limitation does not apply to crew members, stunt riggers, stunt coordinators and stand-ins (who can safely physically distance and wear masks).

The Province-wide Shutdown News Release can be found here

The updated Workplace Safety Measures document can be found here

*Please see page 28 for details about the film and television industry.