SAG-AFTRA claims most film and television productions will be halted until at least mid-January

COVID-19 continues to tear through Los Angeles at a blistering pace, which will likely lead to an extension of film and television productions’ holiday hiatuses.

The primary actors union SAG-AFTRA sent out an important message to their members on Tuesday, revealing film and TV productions likely won’t start until mid-January.

The message, posted on the SAG-AFTRA website, comes from the top of union leadership, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White. 

Actors: The primary actors union SAG-AFTRA sent out an important message to their members on Tuesday, revealing film and TV productions likely won’t start until mid-January

President: The message, posted on the SAG-AFTRA website, comes from the top of union leadership, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White

President: The message, posted on the SAG-AFTRA website, comes from the top of union leadership, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White

‘We are writing to let you know that we are closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 infections along with the reported lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds throughout the state of California and particularly in Los Angeles County,’ the statement began.

‘This is deeply concerning to us all and we have taken immediate action to connect with our epidemiologists and public health experts regarding the surge in cities across the nation,’ Carteris and White added. 

‘Most entertainment productions will remain on hiatus until the second or third week of January if not later. This means that the number of our member performers working on sets right now is reduced,’ they added.

Statement: 'We are writing to let you know that we are closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 infections along with the reported lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds throughout the state of California and particularly in Los Angeles County,' the statement began

Statement: ‘We are writing to let you know that we are closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 infections along with the reported lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds throughout the state of California and particularly in Los Angeles County,’ the statement began

Statement: 'We are writing to let you know that we are closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 infections along with the reported lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds throughout the state of California and particularly in Los Angeles County,' the statement began

Statement: ‘We are writing to let you know that we are closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 infections along with the reported lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds throughout the state of California and particularly in Los Angeles County,’ the statement began

The safety protocols that are currently in place include, ‘additional time for testing prior to the resumption of production.’

The union leaders added they are in ‘close contact with our sister unions and guilds,’ along with ‘expert epidemiologists, industrial sanitation specialists, public health officials, member leaders and staff,’ so they can provide, ‘the safest possible work environment and protocols for SAG-AFTRA members.’ 

‘We will continue to monitor this situation and its impact on production and employment in all contract areas and will take appropriate measures as needed to ensure the continued safety of our members and others,’ the statement continued.

Safety protocols: The safety protocols that are currently in place include, 'additional time for testing prior to the resumption of production'

Safety protocols: The safety protocols that are currently in place include, ‘additional time for testing prior to the resumption of production’

They urged all of their members to, ‘remain vigilant and adhere to the safety principles to protect yourselves, your families, communities and colleagues.’

These protocols include, ‘Always, wear your masks, maintain safe physical distancing, wash hands frequently and well, and follow the public health recommendations for preventing the spread of infectious disease. 

The union leaders also asked actors to ‘review the SAG-AFTRA Safety Tips’ to stay safe, while thanking them for, ‘taking action to protect yourself and others during this pandemic.’

Tips: The union leaders also asked actors to 'review the SAG-AFTRA Safety Tips' to stay safe, while thanking them for, 'taking action to protect yourself and others during this pandemic'

Tips: The union leaders also asked actors to ‘review the SAG-AFTRA Safety Tips’ to stay safe, while thanking them for, ‘taking action to protect yourself and others during this pandemic’

While film and TV production resumed over the summer, with high-profile projects like Mission: Impossible 7, and in greater numbers in the fall, there has been a recent spate of COVID-19 outbreaks on TV sets.

The final season of Showtime’s Shameless was shut down, with the production reportedly in, ‘full panic mode’ after 18 false-positive tests were discovered after a lab error last week.

Just a day later, filming on Impeachment: American Crime Story as halted after multiple team members tested positive for COVID-19. 

Tom's mission: While film and TV production resumed over the summer, with high-profile projects like Mission: Impossible 7, and in greater numbers in the fall, there has been a recent spate of COVID-19 outbreaks on TV sets

Tom’s mission: While film and TV production resumed over the summer, with high-profile projects like Mission: Impossible 7, and in greater numbers in the fall, there has been a recent spate of COVID-19 outbreaks on TV sets

Panic mode: The final season of Showtime's Shameless was shut down, with the production reportedly in, 'full panic mode' after 18 false-positive tests were discovered after a lab error last week

Panic mode: The final season of Showtime’s Shameless was shut down, with the production reportedly in, ‘full panic mode’ after 18 false-positive tests were discovered after a lab error last week