The Block’s Scott Cam says COVID-19 has made this year’s season ‘the most challenging ever’ as producers enforce temperature checks and social distancing on site
The Block host Scott Cam has described this year’s season of Channel Nine’s renovation show the ‘most challenging ever’ because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He told A Current Affair on Monday that producers had downsized the latest project after several teams struggled with the mammoth task of renovating The Oslo hotel last year.
‘But of course, then COVID-19 turns up and now it is probably the most challenging Block we have ever done,’ he said.
Tough season: The Block’s Scott Cam told A Current Affair COVID-19 has made this year’s season ‘the most challenging ever’
Filming was halted give weeks ago and the contestants were sent home as a precaution – with some just making it back in time before their state’s borders were closed.
Earlier this week they returned to the work site – in Brighton, Victoria – to continue with their renovations, but with strict social distancing guidelines in place.
‘We are policing the 1.5 metre rule, it’s very important on The Block that we have sufficient room between each person,’ foreman Keith Schleiger said as he held out a pipe measuring 1.5 metres.
Precautions: Measures the show has taken as a precaution, including limiting to the number people in rooms and hallways, regular temperature checks and ensuring the cast and crew have had the flu vaccine (Pictured: Scott getting a temperature check)
Safety first: Strict social distancing guidelines are also in place on the site. Foreman Keith Schleiger (right with foreman Dan Reilly, centre) said ‘We are policing the 1.5 metre rule, it’s very important on The Block that we have sufficient room between each person’
Measures the show has taken as a precaution, including setting limits to how many people can gather in rooms and hallways, disinfecting surfaces, regular temperature checks and ensuring the cast and crew have had the flu vaccine.
They have also increased the availability of hand sanitiser and face masks – made by the show’s staff – on the set.
Scott added there was no question that they wanted to finish the build, while keeping everyone safe.
Getting through it: Scott added there was no question that they wanted to finish the build, while keeping everyone safe. ‘It’s going to be a terrific block because we are going to get through adversity and it’s going to be great,’ he said
‘It’s going to be a terrific block because we are going to get through adversity and it’s going to be great,’ he said.
It is unclear if the show will premiere in August like previous seasons, or if the six-week filming break will result in the air-date being pushed back.
The Block 2020 will air on Channel 9 later this year.
Back on screens: It is unclear if the show will premiere in August like previous seasons, or if the six-week filming break will result in the air-date being pushed back. (Pictured: Scott with co-host Shelley Craft)