[ad_1]
The unmasked and socially undistarted indoor Emmy ceremony has many people – including presenter Seth Rogen – wondering if the awards show is somehow exempt from COVID-19 mandates.
Well, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has spoken, and the answer is, actually, yeah, kinda.
In response to the outcry over this year’s show – which saw hundreds of nominees, presenters and guests gather unmasked and nearby inside a decorated tent at LA Live – health officials released Monday a statement absolving the participants of their alleged pandemic crimes.
“The LA County health official’s order requires everyone to wear a mask indoors, whether or not they are vaccinated. However, exceptions are made for film, television and music productions as additional security changes are made for these controlled interactions, ”the health department said in a statement to The Times.
“The Emmy Award Show is a television production, and people appearing on the show are considered performers. Everyone appearing on or in the audience of the Emmy Award Show has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, public health has been informed that each of these individuals has a negative PCR test verified 48 hours before the show. “
After more than a year of virtual and outdoor awards shows, featuring top talent in trendy face coverings, Sunday’s Emmys telecast felt like a throwback to pre-pandemic times – well as the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to roll out in California and abroad.
Even Rogen, who presented the evening’s top prize, couldn’t help but comment on the apparent lack of COVID-19 regulations during the CBS airing, which drew 7.4 million viewers.
“Let me start by saying that there are far too many of us in this little room,” he joked before presenting the award for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series to “Ted Lasso” star Hannah Waddingham. (and flouting his name in the process).
“What are we doing? They said it was outside. It isn’t. They lied to us. … We are currently in a tightly sealed tent. I wouldn’t be. “Didn’t get there. Why is there a roof? It’s more important to have three chandeliers than to make sure you don’t kill Eugene Levy tonight. It’s been decided.”
Since the participants were immunized and the production team also had to be fully vaccinated (or frequently tested before the event), the local health department dismissed Rogen’s widely shared concerns.
“The Emmys have contacted public health in advance to share their safety protocols, which have exceeded basic requirements for television and film productions,” the statement continued.
“Careful planning before major events is essential to ensure that all health and safety requirements are properly taken into account. … Public health will continue to review protocols for future major television production events and will prescribe additional safety changes to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. “
Regardless of immunization status, those who are not actively involved in a music, television or film production are still required to wear face coverings inside LA.
[ad_2]
Source link