The harsh reality of this awful pandemic continues to wreak havoc dear reader...
The River has had to shut down production because one of the cast/crew tested positive for COVID yesterday (Tuesday, 2 June).
The set's being decontaminated and those who came into contact with the person have gone into self-isolation and will be tested too.
This just in from M-Net:
3 June 2020 - Even though it is from a distance, the cast and crew of 1Magic’s 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.”
Nomsa Philiso, Channel Director for Local entertainment Channels at M-Net states: “We have contacted the production team in order to assure them of 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,” says Philiso.
“Now more than ever, we 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,” she concludes.
The River has closed its doors for the set to be decontaminated. No interviews will be given beyond this statement and members of the public are urged to afford the cast and crew space to deal with the situation.
May the Force be with them.