Home and Away producers aren’t taking any chances amid the coronavirus pandemic as filming continues in Sydney’s Palm Beach.
Ada Nicodemou, who plays Leah Patterson-Baker, was surrounded by crew members in face masks while rehearsing a scene with co-star Darcey Wilson on Thursday.
It comes after Australia’s other major soap opera, Neighbours, halted production earlier this week after a COVID-19 scare on set.
Home and Away… but not as you know it: Ada Nicodemou was surrounded by crew members in face masks while rehearsing a scene in Sydney’s Palm Beach on Thursday
Ada dressed casually in a singlet, shorts and sneakers, while Darcey wore a yellow ‘Good Vibes’ T-shirt.
At one stage, Darcey clasped her hands over her mouth and nose while a makeup artist attended to her.
Meanwhile, a sound operator covered their entire face with a piece of fabric.
And… action! Ada, who plays Leah Patterson, was rehearsing a scene with Darcey Wilson
Summer style: Ada dressed casually in a singlet, shorts and sneakers, while Darcey wore a yellow ‘Good Vibes’ T-shirt
On Tuesday, Ada discussed her fears about the health crisis in an Instagram video recorded from her dressing room.
‘I don’t even know why I’m videoing. I’m just feeling quite anxious and scared. I hope everyone out there is staying safe,’ she said.
‘Yeah, just be kind, everyone. We’ll get through it. Yeah, I’m just feeling really flat today. Alright, stay safe.’
Home and Away’s interior scenes are filmed in Sydney’s Eveleigh where they was recently a case of coronavirus ‘in the building’.
The exterior scenes are filmed in Palm Beach, 41km north of the CBD.
Shutdown: On Wednesday, production for the Australian soap, Neighbours, shut down due to a coronavirus scare
On Wednesday, Neighbours temporarily shut down production due to a coronavirus scare on set in Nunawading, Melbourne.
But staff returned to work on Friday after the employee who had come into contact with a COVID-19 patient tested negative.
Producers are now taking precautions to reduce the spread of the deadly virus, including dividing up the crew and allocating work areas to enable social distancing.
The cast won’t return to the set until Monday and intimate scenes are being limited, according to TV Tonight.
Health crisis: COVID-19 is devastating the world and putting countries in lock down
Precautions: On the set of Neighbours, producers are now taking precautions to reduce the spread of the deadly virus, including dividing up the crew and allocating work areas to enable social distancing
As of Friday morning, there are 756 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia, including seven deaths.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison closed the border this week. Non-residents will be banned from entering the country from 9pm on Friday.
Only Australian permanent residents and citizens are allowed to enter. Upon arrival, they must self-quarantine for 14 days.
Will Home and Away be put into lock down? On Friday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian again implored people to adhere to social distancing measures in order to limit the speed of the virus’ spread
Pandemic: As of Friday morning, there are 756 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia, including seven deaths