Outlander bosses spend over $200,000 on COVID-19 testing center
By Ariba Bhuvad
The Outlander bosses are sparing no expense to ensure strict COVID-19 protocols are in place as filming for season 6 begins.
Outlander has faced many delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it looks like things are finally getting goin in the town of Cumbernauld, Scotland. Pre-production on season 6 has been in full swing over the past few weeks, and hopefully shooting will begin soon.
And a big part of that will be COVID-19 prevention. Fans of the series know that Outlander is nothing without its steamy sex scenes between Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe). Then there’s the need for hundreds of extras — war is coming in season 6, after all. With that in mind, the cast and crew had to diligently plan how they could film safely, an it looks like they’ve come tup with something pretty elaborate.
According to The Daily Record, the show is spending £150,000 (around $200,000) to create a private COVID-19 testing center on site. That means the cast and crew members can be frequently tested, ensuring conditions are as safe as they can be while filming. Reportedly, both Heughan and Balfe will be given £150 rapid lateral flow tests at least three times a week.
Scotland is under lockdown right now, but according to governments official coronavirus guidance on film and TV production, shooting can still happen:
"Film and TV production can continue operating at all levels and under these further restrictions, but should be done with the minimum number of people needed to operate safely and effectively and in compliance with all relevant Scottish Government and industry safe working guidance."
It would appear that the COVID-19 testing center meets these standards, which means we’re that much closer to the end of the Droughtlander!
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h/t Glasgow Live