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Stephanie McMahon Addresses Diversity and Inclusion In WWE
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon was a special guest on Ad Age Remotely Tuesday afternoon, speaking on how the company pivoted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as speaking on racial injustice in light of the recent Black Lives Matter protests across the world.
How WWE Is Handling Positive COVID-19 Tests
Stephanie McMahon reiterated recent corporate messages that working and performing in WWE is optional at the moment, due to the current health crisis.
She spoke on safety measures the company has in place, including “pandemic level cleaning”, as well as utilizing more advanced testing, which she feels doesn’t give false positive or negatives, in comparison with rapid testing.
“It’s all optional, it’s volunteer based, it’s up to them if they want to participate, we did have talent and crew members opt out, and we do support that” We do testing before all programming, it is more advanced testing, it isn’t the rapid test, that does have false positives and negative ,we want the best testing positive, we also have pandemic level cleaning at the PC every night, including fogging and special lighting, we have an application of a product from a company called Allied Sciences that creates a barrier.”
If a performer tests negative for the virus, they must still undergo temperature checks and questionnaires in order to enter their closed set facility.
If you are negative for the virus, you still need a temperature check and fill out a form, if you have been a contact you are not allowed in the facility, its as thorough as it possibly can be.
When asked about performing in Florida, which is currently a hotbed for cases, Stephanie stated they did not choose their location, and due to the Performance Center being in Orlando, that was the location they had to present their shows.
If you are negative for the virus, you need a temp check and fill out a form, if you have been a contact you are not allowed int he facility, its as thorough as it possibly can be. We are based in Orlando.
We are based in Orlando. Is it the right decision. We didn’t choose Orlando hoping it would be the best location. I do think that we’ve the best we possibly can, the testing and protocol prove it works, yes we have had some positives, the majority of performers and crew are healthy. We want to be smart and sensitive, without them we don’t have show. We also want to make sure we entertain our fans all over the world.
When asked how WWE notifies staff and talent about positive tests, she cited HIPPA laws that prevent that information being disclosed. She says they have measures in place to notify crew and employees as per the direction of their medical team.
Stephanie McMahon cites HIPPA laws for not disclosing names. "We notify other employees and crew with the guidelines from our medical team" pic.twitter.com/UJE98VUf81
— HeelByNature.com (@HeelByNatureYT) July 22, 2020
Stephane McMahon Speaks On WWE Talent Being Independent Contractors
The host presented a question from a Facebook viewer, asking Stephanie what type of health insurance and medical coverage the WWE has for talent.
Stephanie responded, “Our talent are all independent contractors, so we don’t provide medical insurance”.
She did speak on WWE paying for all medical costs related to in-ring injuries, and the Wellness Program, which pays for treatment for current and past WWE talent.
"Our talent are all independent contractors, so we don't provide medical insurance" – Stephanie McMahon pic.twitter.com/RGoMcuv2NG
— HeelByNature.com (@HeelByNatureYT) July 22, 2020
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