In a show of solidarity with their fellow South Africans,7de Laan actors took to Facebook to encourage their fans to stay at home as they shared the news that they would be shutting down production in compliance with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 21-day lockdown restrictions.
But the good news is that 7de Laan shoots two months in advance so fans will still be able to hit the couch and watch their favourite soapie at 6pm every evening for the next 3 weeks.
The entertainment industry has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus with many artists having events cancelled. DJ Black Coffee was scheduled to perform for the first time at Coachella but has had his booking moved to October. Cape Town band Goodluck Live has had six of their overseas gigs cancelled while house music DJ and producer, Prince Kaybee has had a show in Turkey cancelled.
Another casualty has been actor, TV presenter and businessman, Maps Mapona. He has decided to close his burger restaurant Buns Out indefinitely. He shared his anguish at having to do so saying on Twitter, “After trying to stretch out any kind of production including deliveries, in order to still keep our staff employed & customers happy, we've decided to indefinitely close Buns Out. We don't know how long it will be or if we'll survive this period, but it's the right thing to do. It's tough as a new small business, [but] at the end of the day we need to keep everyone safe, & staying operating in any kind of way would completely go against this. Wash your hands often, stay safe & if in any way possible, Stay Home. Pls be considerate & take care of each other.”
Wise words indeed 7de Laan and Maps – “stay home” South Africa.
