Neighbours permitted to keep filming amid heightened COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria
Neighbours has been permitted to continue filming amid heightened COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria
The soap films in the Australian state, which has recently been subjected to tighter coronavirus safety measures amid a spike of cases in the area.
However, TV Tonight has since confirmed Neighbours can continue filming in Victoria under Stage 4 restrictions as one of the industries allowed to remain open with a COVID-Safe Plan — although this is just a recommendation.
It is possible the soap could still shut down filming on its own accord as an extra precaution, though it does have appropriate safety measures in place to facilitate such filming.
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The news comes as Neighbours is currently on a scheduled production break, as confirmed by Sheila Canning actress Colette Mann on Instagram.
"Stage 4 restrictions just as Neighbours has a production break of sorts," she wrote. "So fingers crossed we can go back soon."
The Stage 4 restrictions introduced across metropolitan Melbourne will be in place in for six weeks from Sunday, August 2 until Sunday, September 13. Regional Victoria will return to Stage 3 restrictions from Thursday, August 6.
Digital Spy has reached out for comment to Neighbours about its intended course of action.
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Earlier this month, Dipi Rebecchi actress Sharon Johal reassured fans that the soap was "operating with the same considered, strict and extensive safety precautions and protocol" following an initial increase in Australian coronavirus cases.
"Please don't worry, it's 'business as usual' at @neighbours, and by 'usual', I mean this new world 'COVID-19' usual," she told her followers.
Neighbours was the first soap to resume filming amid the pandemic, with many of the soap's cast and crew having returned to work in April.
Neighbours airs on Channel 5 in the UK and 10 Peach in Australia.
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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