WITH just a few weeks since productions were given the clear to start shooting under lockdown restrictions it seems not all could avoid contracting the coronavirus.
The telenovela on DStv's 1Magic has announced and confirmed that one of its members has tested positive for the coronavirus and production of the show has been halted.
Although it is unclear if the person who tested positive for Covid-19 is a cast or crew member, this has become a threat to their production and set.
The statement released read: Even though it is from a distance, the cast a crew of 1Magic popular telenovela, The River, have come together to offer empathy and support to a colleague who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning.
Tshedza Pictures, the production house behind The River, has since halted shooting and all the cast and crew have been asked to self-isolate while the necessary health protocols are being implemented.
Phathu Makwarela of Tshedza Pictures says: "Ever since we resumed production on 1 May 2020, all the necessary lockdown health guidelines were implemented on set. After we received the news of the colleague testing positive, we immediately asked the cast and crew that came into contact with the member to go into self-isolation. They will soon avail themselves to health authorities for testing, in-line with government directives."
Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net, Nomsa Philiso said: "We have contacted the production team in order to assure them our support. Our understanding is that ever since they resumed production, the production team implemented all the necessary health precautions to ensure the safety of cast and crew."
Nomsa added that now more than ever they need to show compassion to our fellow brothers and sisters, and we would like to wish the affected member of the production team a speedy recovery.
The River has closed its doors for the set to be decontaminated.
