I’m a Celebrity crew member triggers Byron lockdown

A crew member attached to I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! is behind a 7 day snap lockdown of Byron and Tweed regions.

ABC reports ITV Studios Australia has confirmed one of its crew had contracted the virus. The crew member was not on set or in studio, wore PPE at work and has been double vaccinated.

TV Tonight revealed earlier today that filming for the upcoming 10 series has recently been completed.

An ITV Studios Australia spokesperson said: “ITV Studios Australia has been filming I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in Northern NSW in accordance with Public Health Orders and restrictions, as well as its own comprehensive CovidSAFE plan, which is consistent with Screen NSW’s guidelines for film and television production.

“We take our CovidSAFE plan extremely seriously. The health, safety and welfare of the community, as well as our cast and crew, is our number one priority.

“We can confirm that one of our crew members has tested positive to COVID-19. This discovery was made through the rigorous testing regime implemented by our CovidSAFE plan. The crew member is fully vaccinated and was wearing PPE while at work.

“All close contacts of the crew member from within the ITV production have been identified. They are being tested and will isolate in accordance with NSW Health’s requirements. ITV is providing crew members with all the support and assistance possible.”

NSW Health authorities said the person was infectious over the weekend and on Monday in the Byron, Ballina and Tweed areas. A local hotel is the only close contact venue identified so far, but authorities expected to list more.

ITV Studios Australia is also filming Love Island for Nine in the Byron hinterland, with the local council signing off on a COVID-safe plan including a two week isolation for cast and crew prior to filming. Production has not been halted.

Production on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! was also not impacted.

“We are working with NSW Health to ensure all necessary steps are taken in relation to contact tracing, testing and further communication to anyone that needs to isolate,” said ITV Studios Australia.

This post updates.