IFTPC writes to Maha CM to treat industry as an essential service in wake of state lockdown talks

With the rise in COVID 19 cases in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is contemplating imposing a complete lockdown in the state for 15 days, as per reports. While there is no confirmation on the same, film producers and workers are worried about the future yet again. Indian Films & TV Producers Council (IFTPC) has now written to the Maharashtra Chief Minister explaining the stance of the industry and has requested them to not put a lockdown on their shoots. He has also urged the government to treat the industry as an essential service and the workers as frontline workers.

In a press release today, Mr. JD Majethia, Chairman TV & Web wing has declared that all the producers of ongoing projects have been asked to conduct RT-PCR/Antigen tests immediately on the entire crew. “Accordingly, the Producers have conducted the COVID tests and submitted the report. From the 90 shows, the IFTPC has received confirmation that more than 9000 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.”

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We found Few positive cases on our set so we took a break at the shoot keeping their health and well-being on priority. We will be soon back with fresh episodes.
Wish you all safety and good health.?@sabtv #waglekiduniya pic.twitter.com/Rp2Ewa5A5g

— JDMajethia (@JDMajethia) April 9, 2021

Mr. JD Majethia also added the producers have been told to create a bio-bubble of the sets and post-production facilities for total safety in the view of COVID cases spike. He extended his request to the CM and said that he hoped “because 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 entertaining shows that help people to stay at home and brings relief to their stressful life 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.”

In Maharashtra, more than 1,52,879 cases have been reported in a day, which is considered the worst one-day spike.

Also Read: FWICE issues new guidelines for shoot amidst COVID-19 spike