TORONTO - The Toronto International Film Festival says proof of COVID-19 vaccination won't be required to enter its venues, but masks will be mandatory for anyone attending in-person screenings, and talent and media will be tested regularly.
Organizers say actors, filmmakers, TIFF executives and others attending events will need to be tested for COVID-19 every 48 hours, in addition to out-of-country visitors being tested within 72 hours of arriving in Toronto.
Talent will also wear masks at festival venues, except when onstage or on the red carpet. There was no word yet on celebrities who may attend.
TIFF anticipates 4,000 members of the industry will be accredited for this year's festival, running Sept. 9 to 18, and says more than 1,400 journalists have been accredited.
Reporters invited to cover red carpets and interact with talent will also need to provide proof of negative COVID-19 tests every 48 hours.
TIFF says staff at festival venues who interact with talent -- including festival photographers, drivers and backstage teams -- will have to take a rapid antigen test every 48 hours and wear a three-layer, non-medical mask.
