7de Laan, Scandal! and Rhythm City have had positive cases and have shut down production to deep clean the sets and isolate those impacted for 14 days.
All three are filmed at Sasani Studios in Highlands North, Johannesburg, which is where Skeem Saam is filmed too.
Skeem Saam shut down earlier this month because of an outbreak so the whole of Sasani has been impacted.
This is clearly our harsh, new reality – and when will it end?! Will it just keep happening over and over until there’s a vaccine?
This question has been plaguing us this week because there doesn’t seem to be an alternative answer.
These statements from e.tv and 7de Laan producers Danie Odendaal Productions:
e.tv 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.
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.
Danie Odendaal Productions: The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly posed a significant challenge to our way of living and working.
While the production has followed all health and safety protocols to mitigate against the risk of infection of all our cast and crew, it is with a heavy heart that we confirm that one of our colleagues has tested positive for COVID-19.
For this reason, and for the health and safety of everyone involved in the show, we have immediately halted production until further notice.
The said 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.
A challenging moment like this calls for us to continue urging all South Africans to be vigilant, to stay at home, and practice all the personal hygiene and cough etiquette measures.
We wish to extend our well wishes and a speedy recovery to our colleague during this time.
