Panic on the peninsula: Home and Away filming in question as Northern Beaches residents are urged to isolate

As Sydney responds to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Beaches, residents in the area are being urged to stay home.

The news is undoubtedly confronting, but important to take seriously as authorities work to contain the virus’ spread, which originated in Avalon and Palm Beach.

And while it’s certainly not the most important thing to be thinking about right now, fans of hit Aussie soap Home And Away may be wondering what’s going to happen to the show’s filming schedule.

Filmed on Sydney’s Palm Beach, one of the northern-most points of the COVID hotspot, the cast and crew were known to be filming there right up until this week – though it’s likely they’ll be breaking for Christmas within the next few days.

That said, it is also very likely that filming will be suspended as of today as the area responds to the outbreak.

Channel Seven has been approached for comment on the matter.

This week, the cast and crew were busy filming episodes set to air next year.

Long-time show stalwart Ada Nicodemou shared several behind-the-scenes snaps, including one sweet shot with herself and fellow actors Georgie Parker, Emily Symons and Lukas Radovich.

“Happy birthday @georgieparker have a fun location day today with 100% humidity,” Ada lightly quipped.

Shortly after, she shared a sweet snap with another cast mate, Patrick O’Connor, writing: “Even though we work on the same show, we don’t do a lot of scenes together.”

Meanwhile Georgie Parker revealed she’d rung in her 50th birthday on the set of the iconic show.

“Even though I worked all day on location 😳☔️I had a great birthday, thanks to my beautiful workmates. The cast and incredible crew helped me feel the love at Palmy today. Thanks for the messages and kindnesses as well. I feel 💃🏻👍🏼 🙏🏼✊🏼❤️❤️💋🍷,” the actress, who plays Roo Stewart, penned.

Back in March, the show suspended filming as New South Wales responded to the virus and enacted a lockdown.

As restrictions began to ease in May, the cast returned to set, with a Seven spokeswoman telling the Daily Telegraph, “A range of measures will be in place to minimise risk for cast and crew, to be overseen by dedicated safety officers.”

Measures included temperature checks, increased hygiene practices and rigorous cleaning schedules.

It’s likely these measures have continued throughout the most part of the year, however as this unprecedented cluster grows, it seems appropriate for filming to be temporarily suspended – at least until more information and containment of the virus is rectified in the area and surrounding suburbs.