The 10 Network has introduced a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy as it looks to ensure the safety of staff.
While the majority of the network employees will continue to work from home, from Monday, October 11, all essential broadcast/production staff who currently work onsite at the networks Pyrmont studio will now be required to provide evidence of at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering the building.
At this stage, it is understood the policy will only apply to staff in the broadcast/production areas of the building and has only been implemented in Sydney. Essential employees working within the office sections of the building will not be mandated to receive the vaccine, but will need to continue wearing face masks at all times.
Channel 10 confirmed the decision in an email sent to staff on Wednesday. The network indicating the policy change was designed to coincide with the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions in NSW as the state reaches 70% community vaccination levels.
“10 ViacomCBS acknowledges that while the lifting of restrictions is great news, it does increase the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19 in the community.”
The move to introduce the new vaccination policy comes after a positive COVID case recorded last month by a Barista working in a café connected to the studio facility caused several essential workers, including Studio10 co-host Tristan MacManus to enter a 14-day quarantine period.
At the time, TV Blackbox revealed Channel 10 had opted not to introduce rapid Covid testing protocols to protect its essential staff working in Sydney despite the high levels of virus in the community. Rival broadcasters including Seven, Nine and Fox Sports have been requiring anyone entering their Sydney buildings to undergo the rapid testing process.
TV Blackbox understands the Sunrise program has also recently implemented a compulsory vaccination policy for all production staff and presenters working within the studio environment.
what is channel 10 ? Never heard of it.