L.A. confirms the Emmys were COVID compliant because it was a TV production

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After actor and comedian Seth Rogan wondered aloud if the 2021 Emmys‘ large tent really qualified as being “outdoors,” the L.A. County Health Officer has confirmed that it was in compliance with local regulations.

That compliance, however, was a bit of a technicality — the Los Angeles County Health Officer noted that the event qualified as a television production, which gives it certain exemptions for mask wearing and capacity limits than if it were, for example, just an awards presentation without TV cameras.

“Let me start by saying there is way too many of us in this little room. What are we doing? They said this was outdoors. It’s not. They lied to us. We’re in a hermetically sealed tent right now. I would not have come to this,” Rogan said when appearing on stage, noting that the tent had three chandeliers.

It also noted that it worked with the Emmys to ensure compliance, including requiring all attendees and audience members were fully vaccinated against coronavirus and had a verified negative PCR test 48 priors to the event.

So, it seems, that the question of the event being indoors or outdoors technically wasn’t at play, at least as far as health guidelines are concerned.

Outdoor and large open indoor spaces have become go to alternatives for events of all kinds during the pandemic — ranging from weddings to other awards shows. Limiting capacity is also popular.

Evidence shows that the coronavirus spreads primarily via air droplets, so reducing the number of people in a space, increasing how close they sit or stand and allowing opportunities for more air circulation are often cited as effective countermeasures.

However, none of the practices are guaranteed to prevent the spread.

Television productions have developed a variety of protocols that meet or exceed local regulations, such as requiring those not appearing on camera to wear face coverings, decreasing the number of crew on set and having performers be masked unless they are performing.

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are highly recommended by multiple public health officials and experts. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters have undergone extensive testing and monitoring to ensure their safety. Scientific research has shown the vaccines and boosters to be very safe and highly effective any may help stop you from contracting COVID-19 or resulting in less severe symptoms and chance of hospitalization or death. For more information about COVID-19 and coronavirus, visit the CDC website. You can locate a free vaccination site or clinic near you at Vaccines.gov. As with any medical decision, you should always discuss your options with your doctor.