NABET 700 CEP | What's New

April 25, 2003

SARS UPDATE

For the past two weeks, but particularly in the past 72 hours, the film community has been mobilized in a collective effort to dispel fear and paranoia associated with the recent SARS outbreak.

Despite widespread rumour and speculation, the industry has seen few cancellations and departures, and in fact the consensus in the medical community is that we have turned the corner in terms of controlling the further spread of SARS.

Yesterday the OMDC conducted a conference call to 15 major studios and networks in which the City's Health Officer, Dr. Sheela Basrur, was able to provide expert commentary on the city's efforts to bring the outbreak under control. The response from Hollywood was extremely positive.

We have been closely monitoring NABET productions, and our rapid response and consultation has gone far to allay fears.

The OMDC is travelling to Los Angeles to meet next week with studio executives and an ad campaign is underway.

The Section 21 Health and Safety Committee, headed by our own Health and Safety Coordinator, Moira Verwijk, met this week to discuss preventative measures on set regarding food handling. Proper hygiene is essential at all times, but is imperative right now.

Below are links to websites that provide current information about SARS as well as letters from Michel Frappier, CEO of the Ontario Media Development Corporation and Sheela Basrur, Medical Officer of Health.

We will continue to deal with this situation and will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

Useful Links:

Health Canada - www.sars.gc.ca
Toronto Public Health - www.toronto.ca/health
Toronto Tourism - www.torontotourism.com
City of Toronto - www.city.toronto.on.ca
Ontario Ministry of Health - www.health.gov.on.ca
Section 21 - www.filmsafety.ca
Centers For Disease Control - www.cdc.gov/

NABET 700 CEP represents over 1,000 of Toronto's Film Technicians.

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