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- Three more local soapies have halted production due to positive cases of Covid-19 confirmed on set.
- Channel24 can confirm that 7de Laan, Rhythm City, and Scandal! have shut down production due to the virus.
- Production on The River, Skeem Saam, and Muvhango has also been stopped due to Covid-19 cases.
Three popular South African weekday soapies have abruptly shut down production due to positive cases of Covid-19 on set.
7de Laan (SABC 2), Rhythm City (e.tv), and Scandal! (e.tv) have had to halt production. All three series are filmed at Sasani Studios in Highlands North, Johannesburg.
These three shows are just the latest in a string of local productions that have had to stop filming due to the virus. Other productions that have had to stop filming include M-Net's The River on 1Magic (DStv 103), Skeem Saam on SABC1, and Muvhango on SABC2.
SABC2's Lithapo series also briefly shuttered production before resuming on Monday after a possible case turned out negative.
'Crew member in isolation'
"It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that one of our colleagues has tested positive for Covid-19," Danie Odendaal Productions told Channel24 on Thursday afternoon in response to a media enquiry.
"For this reason and for the health and safety of everyone involved in the show, we have immediately halted production until further notice."
7de Laan says the crew member is currently in isolation.
"All cast and crew members have been asked to self-quarantine while undergoing testing and following all the necessary health procedures in accordance with government legislation. During this time our offices and studios will be disinfected."
The production company says that "a challenging moment like this calls for us to continue urging all South Africans to be vigilant, to stay home, and practice all the personal hygiene and cough etiquette measures."
'Filming will resume when it is appropriate to do so'
In a statement to the media on Thursday e.tv confirmed the news saying: "We can confirm that positive cases of Covid-19 have been recorded on two of its weekday soapies Rhythm City and Scandal!. Both sets of the local production premises have been shut down and undertaking the necessary testing for exposed cast and crew members."
They added: "The sets have undergone deep cleaning to further minimize the risk of contamination, in accordance with Covid-19 protocols. Affected individuals are currently undergoing self-isolation until the end of the stipulated 14-day period.
"In respecting the privacy of our talent’s medical and health matters, we will not be issuing the names of any individuals. e.tv, Quizzical Pictures and Ochre Media will continue to monitor the health of affected employees. Filming will resume when it is appropriate to do so."
All three shows will continue to air on the respective channels as episodes are filmed months in advance.
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