Imbewu stops production due to a positive case of Covid-19.
In a statement, e.tv said the drama Imbewu has stopped filming due to a positive case of Covid-19.
The channel said that testing for exposed cast and crew members is underway. e.tv said it will continue to broadcast new episodes of the shows as they are filmed in advance.
In a statement e.tv also said the Grapevine Productions series filmed in KwaZulu/Natal is shutting down for deep-cleaning of the studio and sets.
The channel, however, said it could not divulge names of individuals who had tested positive. Part of the statement by e.tv reads:
e.tv can confirm that a positive case of Covid-19 has been recorded on the late prime weekday show Imbewu. The KwaZulu-Natal local production premises have shut down, and the necessary testing for exposed cast and crew members is underway. The set will undergo deep cleaning to further minimize the risk of contamination, as per Covid-19 protocols. In respecting the privacy of our talent, cast and crew’s medical and health matters, we will not be issuing the names of any affected individuals.
e.tv says that the health of affected employees will be monitored over time. The channel said filming will resume when it is safe to do so.
e.tv said, “the health of affected employees will be monitored over time, and filming will resume when it is safe to do so as set out by health authorities. All Covid-19, level 3 protocols, and guidelines will once again be adhered to with stringent controls once the required cast and crew are back on set.”
In related news, multiple shows on M-Net’s Afrikaans division channels kykNET (DStv 144) and kykNET & Kie (DStv 145) are now also affected by positive Covid-19 cases among the cast and crew.
kykNET soapies Suidooster, Binnelanders and the telenovela Arendsvlei have also shut down production.
Binnelanders, Suidooster and Arendsvlei will, however, continue to broadcast new episodes.