View
comments
Sunrise presenters Natalie Barr and David 'Kochie' Koch are reportedly refusing to work with unvaccinated hair and makeup artists after a Covid scare last month put everyone on set - including pregnant newsreader Edwina Bartholomew - at risk.
Senior figures at Seven's breakfast show, including Barr, Koch, Bartholomew and executive producer Michael Pell, are said to be pushing for mandatory vaccines for crew members in a move that could set a precedent for the Australian TV industry.
There is particular concern about unvaccinated freelancers working for different shows across Sydney bringing the virus to 'Brekky Central', reports The Australian.
Taking a stand: Sunrise presenters Natalie Barr (left) and David 'Kochie' Koch (right) are reportedly refusing to work with unvaccinated hair and makeup artists after a Covid scare last month put everyone on set - including pregnant newsreader Edwina Bartholomew - at risk
These fears are compounded by the fact Bartholomew, 38, is expecting a child and Koch, at 65 years old, is in a vulnerable age group for Covid-19.
Barr, 53, has also apparently raised concerns because she has teenage sons, while Pell escalated the matter with Seven management on behalf of concerned staffers.
The media is considered 'essential work' during Covid and social distancing can be particularly challenging for those working live TV - all of which means vaccine mandates will likely soon become industry standard.
However, Seven's move towards mandatory vaccines has apparently 'attracted private
