As we move into the new year the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. Heavy populated and large states like California and Texas have high case numbers. On January 4, it was reported that California has at least 2,400,000 and tragically over 26,000 people have died of the virus. The recent winter holidays have lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases as many people chose to travel and gather with families despite the CDC’s warnings.

The dangers of COVID-19 have led to unions like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the Producers Guild of America, and the Joint Policy Committee to release a joint statement regarding the safety of filming. Screen Rant reports that after the recent increase of COVID cases, these unions are calling for Hollywood to halt their film productions. The joint statement requests that filming should be paused at least until more hospital beds open up in California.

A lot of television shows have elected to pause shooting Shameless and Mom, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, SEAL Team, Kenan, Mr. Mayor, Good Girls, Hacks, NCIS, and Never Have I Ever. 

The state of California currently has a Limited Stay At Home Order that was signed in December of 2020, and the state’s safety guidelines can be found here.