COVID-19
ACFC West COVID-19 Information
March 18, 2020
This is an unprecedented time in our industry, our community and across the world. The impact of COVID-19 has been swift and we are all very concerned as to how to handle the crisis and what the challenges will be going forward. Information remains somewhat limited as to the financial support that we hope to see from different levels of government. The Unions, Guilds and other stakeholders are working to ensure those governments understand the level of support our workers need. As we gain an understanding of the specifics of these programs, we’ll pass that information on to you here, on our website.
PRODUCTIONS
All productions have suspended operations at this time until further notice. Certain specific staff will be working on some productions for a certain number of days but unless you have been asked to continue working, you should be home practicing social isolation.
ACFC OFFICE
Until further notice, the ACFC office will remain open with limitations. We ask that you do not come to the office if at all possible. We will be able to do most business over the phone. Documents may be delivered through the mail slot in our front door if you need to drop something off.
MEETINGS
Upon advice of the Provincial Health Officer, we have suspended all meetings. Our AGM, previously scheduled for March 29th has been cancelled until further notice.
GUIDANCE FROM THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER
For updates and information from BC’s Provincial Health Officer, please click here to connect to the Provincial Health Officer’s webpage on COVID-19.
GUIDANCE FROM THE BC CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
Please click here to connect to the BCCDC information page on COVID-19
CREATIVE BC COVID-19 INFORMATION PAGE
Please click here to connect to CreativeBC
SUPPORT SERVICES
1. Financial Support: As noted earlier, there is limited information on this issue. However, there are some best practices that you can implement in order to be best prepared to receive assistance. At this time, the following information applies only to those individuals who may be eligible for Employment Insurance. Please be mindful of the following as you prepare your application.
a. Please be aware that for the purpose of EI claims ‘employer of record’ is not the production company. It is whoever produces your paycheck; click on either link:
– Cast and Crew
– Entertainment Partners
b. Unless directed otherwise, answer ‘no’ to the question of whether or not you were part of a group layoff situation.
c. To the question of cause of termination, the most applicable response now is “lack of work”.
d. If you are currently ill, injured, or subject to a formal quarantine by order of a physician of public health officer you may qualify for 15 weeks of income replacement. Due to current circumstances, the sickness benefit waiting period is now waived for newly quarantined claimants.
e. For more information please go to the Service Canada webpage on COVID-19 support by clicking here.
2. Pacific Blue Cross: Please go to the Blue Cross Page for updates and guidance on Blue Cross Resources under our Extended Health Plan by clicking here. Once you scroll down, you will see links to a variety of resources. To access specific information on our plan you will need our policy number (900400), your individual ID number and your password. You can find your policy number and ID number on your membership card.
3. Stress and Anxiety: Please reference the Call Time Mental Health page for resources to help you deal with stress and anxiety. The page can be accessed by clicking here.
4. ACFC Website: Check here regularly for updated information as it becomes available. Be safe, considerate of each other, and let’s make the social isolation solution work.