It has been just a little over a year since the pandemic shut down our industry and the world. It is incredible that a nationwide vaccination campaign is underway, and that after a slow start vaccinations for everyone are within sight. While it is a time of great optimism and things are slowly beginning to reopen, please do not let down your guard. We absolutely must stay vigilant to allow others to get vaccinated and to protect one another and ourselves from the more contagious and potentially more deadly variants.
As of this morning, New Yorkers 50 years-of-age and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. New Yorkers can make appointments through the Am I Eligible tool or by calling the NYS Vaccine Hotline at (833) NYS-4-VAX (833-697-4829). The fight against COVID continues on all fronts and by vaccinating as many people as possible, we come closer to defeating the virus and getting back to the people and things we love. While the vaccination news is encouraging, remember that all SAG-AFTRA productions continue to be expected to follow the established industry standard safety protocols to keep you and everyone on set as safe as possible when working.
Large outdoor performing arts venues, including stadiums, that hold more than 2,500 people can reopen at 20 percent capacity beginning April 1. Venue capacity for concerts and other performing arts events will continue to increase as the public health situation improves with more New Yorkers receiving vaccinations and fewer COVID-19 cases in the community. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, physical distancing and health screenings.
In non-pandemic news, March is Women’s History Month. While we cannot gather to mark this important occasion as we have in years past, I invite you to join SAG-AFTRA and PowHerNY on Wednesday, March 24 for Equal Pay Day 2021. Women and families across the state were left more vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic because of the wage gap. The virtual 15th annual Equal Pay Day celebration envisions an equitable recovery that supports all New York women and families who have been impacted this past year, especially those of color. Join the fight for long lasting change and inclusive gender justice for all by attending PowHerNY events throughout the day and making your voice heard on social media.
I also invite you to join New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) for their Virtual S.W.A.N. (Support Women Artists Now) Day Screening of Farewell Amor. The film is available to screen Friday, March 26 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, March 28 at midnight. There is also a Q&A with director/writer, Ekwa Msangi, moderated by NYWIFT Board President Jamie Zelermyer on Saturday, March 27 at noon ET.
Safety on the job is critical for all workers, a reality we are reminded of every year on March 25—the anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the devastating fire that killed 146 garment workers, most of whom were young women. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition will host an Official Virtual Commemoration. Even more than a century later, unions continue to fight for, and win, rights to a safe workplace on behalf of workers across the country.
This pandemic is not over yet, but we are moving towards a hopeful future. These various events and screenings also remind me of all the incredible progress—and work that is yet to be done—on so many issues facing labor outside of this pandemic. In the meantime, you can continue to find helpful information regarding COVID-19 on our website, especially on our NY Local COVID-19 Resources page.
Onward together,
Rebecca Damon
New York Local President
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