Coronavirus Outbreak: Film, TV production in the US allowed to resume shoot from 12 June, says California officials

Film and TV cameras can start rolling in California as soon as 12 June, state officials said on Friday as they approved new guidelines to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus on sets.

(Click  here  to follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak) Producers will need approval from local health officials to restart filming, according to a statement from the California Department of Health. Filming around the world was halted in mid-March to help curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic. A task force of Hollywood studios and labor unions earlier this week proposed extensive coronavirus testing, daily symptom checks and other safeguards to allow actors and crew members to return to work. The guidelines were developed by representatives from Walt Disney Co, Netflix Inc, AT&T Inc’s Warner Bros and Comcast Corp’s NBCUniversal, plus unions including SAG-AFTRA, IATSE and the Directors Guild of America. To return to work, productions must follow the task force guidelines and also receive clearance from county health officials, the state health department said. County authorities should consider local coronavirus infection rates, preparedness for a surge in cases, testing capability and other data before granting approval, the department added. (With inputs from Reuters)