TV broadcasters conduct over 9,000 COVID-19 tests

In light of the growing number of fresh COVID-19 cases across the country, the Indian Films & TV Producers Council (IFTPC) has asked all the producers of ongoing projects to conduct RT-PCR/Antigen tests immediately on the entire crews.

Accordingly, the producers have conducted the tests and submitted the report. From the 90 shows that the IFTPC has received confirmation for, more than 9,000 tests have been conducted. The tests will be again repeated after 15 days as per the ‘Break the Chain’ guidelines, though the IFTPC has insisted that antigen tests shall be done every week for additional safety.

In a release issued, JD Majethia, Chairman TV & Web wing said that the broadcasters have borne the cost of the tests. He further said that all the guidelines are being followed scrupulously and that the producers have been urged to create a bio-bubble of the sets and post-production facilities for total safety.

He also added that the work on bio-bubble has already commenced and will fructify in a couple of days.

Majethia hoped that in view of the stringent measures adopted by the industry, the Government will not impose any lockdown on the industry. He further stated that the industry is doing a good job by continuously producing the entertaining shows which help the people to stay at home and bring relief to their stressful lives while they are confined to the homes totally. He hoped that the Government will treat the industry as an essential service and its workers as frontline workers.

The release also thanked the other stakeholders such as Broadcasters, IMPPA, Producers Guild, WIFPA, IFTDA, FWICE and CINTAA for coming out with their own SOPs and constant vigil. IFTPC also thanked Dr Amol Kolhe MP, Dr Shashank Joshi and Aadesh Bandekar for their continuous support and guidance. The release also appreciated Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Health Minister Rajesh Tope for their support to the M&E industry.