Erica Fernandes (Source: Instagram | @iam_ejf)
Erica Fernandes (Source: Instagram | @iam_ejf)

The entertainment industry has been shut down since the COVID-19 scare. Now, after 3 months, the Maharashtra Government has come out with strict guidelines and social distancing rules to maintain safety and hygiene for work to resume in the industry. But, given the risk of working with so many people on set, many actors may still not be very comfortable with the idea.

Erica Fernanades is one such actor. In an interview with Pinkvilla, the Kasautii Zindagi Kay actress said that she understands it is important to resume operations, but she would prefer not to go back anytime soon.

Here’s what she said:

It’s not a simple question of yes or no. There is a lot to it. People have been out of work for a very long time. Some do not have the luxury of making a choice if they should get back to work or not. But, if you personally ask me, I am not up for it, not now at least, maybe a little later yes, and this is due to multiple reasons.

Erica reasoned that firstly, there may be a spike in the graph owing to the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, given a lot of people will be moving around now. She also added that with Mumbai’s monsoon’s starting very soon, risk of catching infections and falling ill will generally be higher.

She mentions that while the crew members will be wearing masks and gloves on the set, the actors in the scene cannot do so and that might put them at a ‘higher risk’ of being infected.

She also adds:

There are studios that have multiple shows shooting in the same vicinity at the same time accounting for a huge number of people working together.

Well, her reasons and worries are totally valid. We wish things become better soon and we can see her back on screen!d

Erica is currently part of the show, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, where she plays Prerna. The show also stars Parth Samthaan, Karan Singh Grover and Aamna Sharif.