Mzansi Magic’s popular telenovela The River has stopped shooting to allow the set to be disinfected after one of its cast and crew members tested positive for COVID-19.
The cast and crew on Tuesday came together to offer empathy and support to a colleague who tested positive for the novel virus which has already claimed more than 700 lives in South Africa.
In a statement released by Tshedza Pictures, which produces the show, the company said it has since halted shooting and all cast and crew members have been asked to self-isolate while the necessary health protocols are being implemented.
The show’s co-producer Phathu Makwarela said ever since they resumed with production on 1 May 2020, all the necessary lockdown health guidelines were implemented on set.
“After I 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”, he said.
Nomusa 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.
