Actors’ Equity Association president Kate Shindle is calling on Congress and local governments to step up with economic relief for live-theater workers in the wake of a growing number localities placing limits on public gatherings because of the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee ordered a halt to all public gatherings of more than 250 in three of the state’s hardest-hit counties. Officials in Californian’s Santa Clara County and in Washington D.C. also are banning gatherings of more than 1,000 people starting today.
Here is the full statement from Actors’ Equity:
Given the decision from Gov. Inslee – and with further closures sure to be imminent – we must focus on how we can protect the workers who will be displaced,” Shindle said. “Equity members are dedicated professionals who earn their health care and pensions one week of work at a time. Limiting public gatherings also means the prospect of lost income, health insurance and retirement savings – to say nothing of the financial crisis those workers will face if their workplace closes down, due to a pandemic, right before they qualify for coverage.
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