Daytime Soap Filming Update: Guidelines Sent To CA and NY Governors – When New Episodes Can Begin

We finally have an update on TV and soap production. A 22-page document outlining safety guidelines for the entertainment industry has been released. The white paper has been sent to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. California Governor Gavin Newscom and the Los Angeles Department of Public Health will also receive the document. Here’s what you need to know.

Regular Periodic COVID-19 Testing

According to Variety, production can resume under certain guidelines. One of those is that everyone is tested for active coronavirus infection before their first day of work. This includes both the cast and crew.

In addition, everyone will have to go through “regular periodic testing.” This makes perfect sense as some people are asymptomatic (without symptoms), but can still spread the infection.

Social Distancing Exemptions

The 22-page document also states that six-foot social distancing must be adhered to. Soaps have already tried coming up with creative ways to deal with this, so it was expected. However, there is an exemption.

“…except when doing so is incompatible with job duties.”

However, the white paper doesn’t explain if actors would be exempt from this guideline or not.

Who Created The Guidelines?

The filming production guidelines were put into the 22-page document by the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force. The publication noted that this task force “comprises production companies, unions, and guilds.”

Filming Production Still Halted

Days of Our Lives is the only soap that is currently airing new episodes. However, they are not filming new scenes yet, just like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and General Hospital.

The cast and crew of various TV shows and soap operas have expressed on social media and during interviews that they are anxious to get back to work. However, everyone understands that it must be done intelligently and safely. As much as we love our television shows, safety and lives must come first.

While B&B was hoping to get back to work in June, that was just a hopeful estimate. With these guidelines being sent to the New York and California governors, we are one step closer to our TV and soaps getting back to business.

What do you think of the 22-page white paper of guidelines so the entertainment business can get back to work? How long do you believe that it will be before filming resumes? In the meantime, DOOL still has new episodes airing each weekday. Meanwhile, GH, Y&R, and B&B are airing classic episodes. We will keep you updated with new development and additional information as it becomes available.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with TV right now. Come back here often for soap spoilers, news, and updates.