“Star Trek: Picard” has halted production following news that more than 50 crew members tested positive for COVID-19.
Sources told the Hollywood Reporter that work on the Patrick Stewart drama was halted on Monday following the holiday hiatus.
The startlingly high number brings to light how the Omicron surge has affected the film and television industry, among others.
The show has a very large staff that is comprised of more than 450 members. Both crew and some cast members who were working alongside one another without distancing or PPE have tested positive.
Insiders told the outlet that filming is “expected to resume early next week, if not sooner, though details remain in limbo.”
“Star Trek: Picard” shoots in in Los Angeles and was recently renewed for a third season on Paramount+. The show is currently filming Season 2.
According to Deadline, Stewart, 81, was not among the people infected. Stars Alison Pill, Isa Briones, Evan Evagora, Michelle Hurd, Santiago Cabrera, Jeri Ryan, Annie Wersching and Brent Spiner are also part of the cast.
Production was recently suspended on other CBS shows such as “NCIS” and “NCIS: LA.” The Omicron surge has also forced the Grammy Awards and the Critics Choice Awards to be postponed.
The Recording Academy said in a statement earlier this week of the Grammys: “After careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners, the Recording Academy and CBS have postponed the 64th Annual Grammy Awards Show.”
“The health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience, and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly to produce our show remains our top priority,” the statement continued. “Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, holding the show on Jan. 31 simply contains too many risks. We look forward to celebrating Music’s Biggest Night on a future date, which will be announced soon.”
Utah’s Sundance Film Festival has also canceled its in-person segment and will be holding a virtual show from Jan. 20 to 30 instead.
“While it is a deep loss to not have the in-person experience in Utah, we do not believe it is safe nor feasible to gather thousands of artists, audiences, employees, volunteers and partners from around the world for an 11-day festival while overwhelmed communities are already struggling to provide essential services,” Sundance reps recently said.