Staying Covid-safe in Summer Bay: Home and Away star Ray Meagher, Shane Withington, and Lynne McGranger wear masks on-set while medical staff sport full PPE gear as filming resumes in Sydney
Filming resumed on Home and Away in Sydney earlier this month after production was temporarily postponed due to an outbreak of the coronavirus delta variant.
On Wednesday, cast and staff members of the Channel Seven serial were seen in Palm Beach, NSW, taking all essential measures while filming the sun-drenched drama.
In between takes, stars like Lynne McGranger, Ray Meagher, and Shane Withington were seen wearing masks, and a Covid testing tent was seen on-site to assure everyone’s safety.
Staying Covid safe in Summer Bay: On Wednesday, cast and crew members of Home and Away were seen taking all the necessary precautions as they continued shooting the sun-drenched drama on Palm Beach, NSW. Pictured: Shane Withington (center) and Lynne McGranger (L)
Safety officers in full PPE (personal protective equipment) gear were also on-site to guarantee that the increased hygiene measures were followed.
Channel Seven said earlier this month that a new set of standards would be in place to allow the team to return to work.
‘During production, Home and Away have a range of measures to minimize risk for cast and crew,’ they said in a statement to TV WEEK.
Dedicated safety officers manage these efforts, which include temperature checks upon arrival, improved hygiene practices, and strict cleaning schedules.’
Filming: Ray Meagher, who plays Alf Stewart, was later seen chatting to staff in a khaki raincoat and a beige hat
Ready: Dedicated safety officers were also on-hand to enable the team were able to get back to work safely, dressed in full PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure increased hygiene practices were met
Shane, who plays surf lifeguard John Palmer, was seen giving photographers a cheeky thumbs up after receiving his Covid test on-site in the photos.
Lynne Roberts, 68, who has played Irene Roberts for almost 27 years, seemed relaxed as she stood on set with the rest of the crew, dressed in a royal blue blouse and thin trousers.
Ray Meagher, who plays Alf Stewart, was later seen in a khaki raincoat and a beige hat conversing with workers.
Lynne came on ITV’s This Morning via video link earlier this month to discuss how filming had resumed after the cast and crew were forced to extend a planned halt owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
Return to work: Earlier this month, Lynne appeared on ITV’s This Morning via video link to speak out about how filming had got back underway after the cast and crew had to extend a planned pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Safety first: Earlier this month, Channel Seven confirmed there would be a new range of protocols in place to enable the team to get back to work
Measures: ‘We’re getting tested every second day in the studio, Everybody has to wear masks the whole time, except for when they roll up,’ Lynne said
She said: ‘When we first went into lockdown about a month ago, we had a designated two-week production break away so we were always gonna take those two weeks off.
‘However, while we were on that production break, things got worse, and then we were supposed to go back to work a fortnight ago, and we got the email sent out, ‘We’re not going to go back to work.
‘So, we had an extra two weeks. Now, I think they’ve moved heaven and earth – and obviously extremely COVID-safe.
‘Every second day at the studio, we’re being tested. Everyone has to wear masks the entire time, except when they roll up.’
‘When they roll up, they have to take their masks off, and we get on with it, and then we put our masks back on again,’ she explained. They definitely have permission to do so.’
Changes: ‘When they roll up, they have to take their masks off and we get on with it, and at the end of that, we put our masks back on again. They’ve obviously got dispensation to do this,’ Lynne added
