On May 13, SAG-AFTRA announced that Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding has joined SAG-AFTRA’s team of specialists advising the union in developing and implementing new safety protocols for preventing the spread of COVID-19 when production resumes.

A nationally recognized expert in public health preparedness and communication, Fielding brings decades of public health expertise to the mission of charting a safe path forward for SAG-AFTRA members as the entertainment industry considers reopening. His chief objective will be to work with union leaders to create a set of protocols that establish minimum safety standards and maximize the mitigation of risks associated with traditional modes of production.

“Dr. Fielding’s expertise is a critical piece in solving the unique challenges our industry presents,” SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said.

Fielding served as public health director and health officer for Los Angeles County for 16 years and is currently distinguished professor of health policy and management and of pediatrics at the UCLA Schools of Public Health and Medicine.

“COVID-19 remains a most serious health threat to all those who want and need to return to work. Therefore, developing guidelines to safeguard people’s health as they work is a critical element of reopening this important industry,” Fielding said.

Fielding’s work with the union began immediately.

For information, visit sagaftra.org.