The spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) in South Africa is becoming scarier by the day, and cast members of The River have come to learn this reality the harsh way.
The River crew member tests positive for Covid-19
As reported by Sunday World, the Mzansi Magic soapie has been forced to down tools after it was discovered that one of the crew members had tested positive for Covid-19.
Contact tracing is the first priority for health officials when a person is found to have been infected with the deadly pathogen. At this time, the results of the rest of the crew and cast members, and every one the patient came into contact with, are not known.
Tshedza Pictures, the production company behind The River, issued a statement confirming the news and indicating that every member of the team, including the cast, has been asked to self-isolate until further notice.
“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,” Phathu Makwarela the show’s co-producer noted in a statement.
At this time, it is not known how this production halt will affect The River‘s future showings on Mzansi Magic. Alas, the bump in the road has received the support from the DStv channel.
Director of local entertainment at Multichoice, Nomusa Philiso, indicated that the channel is fully behind Tshedza Pictures and will assist where necessary.
“We have contacted the production team in order to assure them of our support. 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 said.
