The entertainment industry continues to be hit by the spread of the coronavirus. The list of movie premieres that have been pushed back keeps on growing, and television has not escaped either.
With Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti putting a limit on all gatherings over 50 people, it now becomes tricky for any large entertainment production to continue working.
This means that ABC’s flagship medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy, becomes the latest casualty and will be ceasing production for at least two weeks, with immediate effect.
A letter was sent round to all cast and crew by executive producers Debbie Allen and James D. Parriott, and showrunner Krista Vernoff.
According to E! News, the letter said: “To Our Incredible Cast and Crew. Out of an abundance of caution, production is postponed on Grey’s Anatomy effective immediately. We are going home now for at least two weeks and waiting to see how the coronavirus situation evolves.”
The letter added: “This decision was made to ensure the health and safety of the whole cast and crew and the safety of our loved ones outside of work, and it was made in accordance with Mayor Garcetti’s suggestion that we not gather in groups of more than 50.”
And they finished up by writing, “Stay safe, stay healthy, stay hydrated, stay home as much as possible, and wash your hands frequently. Please take care of yourselves and each other. As updates come in, we will keep you informed.”
Grey’s Anatomy had just finished an episode
The cast and crew had just wrapped up episode 21 of season 16; there should hopefully be another four episodes to follow after they return from this unplanned hiatus.
The list of TV shows shutting down as a precaution is growing daily. The Morning Show, Survivor, and The Amazing Race have all called a temporary halt to production.
Late-night talk shows have been affected by the virus with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert broadcasting without an audience from last night, and all the New York talk shows have been similarly affected.
The coronavirus has affected all forms of entertainment
The movie industry was first hit when the release of the latest installment of James Bond, No Time To Die, was pushed back until the fall. A Quiet Place Part II has followed suit, delaying its release date “indefinitely.”
The coronavirus has also been affecting sporting fixtures with the NBA shutting down and the NCAA announcing yesterday that their college basketball tournaments for 2020 are canceled.
The NHL and MLB were also put on hold, and yesterday the XFL suspended it’s 2020 season.
The big hit in the music industry was the postponement of Coachella two days ago. Disneyland in California also announced yesterday that it would be shutting down until at least the end of the month.
Grey’s Anatomy airs at 8/7c on ABC.