Lionsgate Enforces Mask Mandate and Daily Testing Amid COVID Resurgence in Hollywood

Lionsgate, a Hollywood studio, has implemented a mask mandate for its employees in response to the current surge in COVID-19 cases. The studio sent an email to staff requesting them to wear masks on specific floors of its Santa Monica office after several employees tested positive for the virus. This move comes amid discussions about the potential return of mask mandates due to the dominance of the EG.5 variant in the United States. While the variant has led to an increase in cases, experts suggest that it is not expected to cause a major wave like the initial omicron outbreak. The film industry had previously relaxed its COVID protocols in May, no longer requiring masks in most workplace settings.