Popular Algoa FM afternoon drivetime presenter and comedian, Roland Gaspar, has confirmed that he has tested positive for the novel-coronavirus.
Gaspar says he started feeling ill at the weekend and informed management of his decision to self-isolate and seek medical attention.
“As a precautionary measure, we took immediate action to deep-clean our studio complex on Sunday evening” says Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay.
Gaspar’s telephonic consultation with his GP on Monday 20 July, led to his Covid-19 test on Tuesday. The result came through late Thursday night (the 23rd).
“In accordance with the station’s contact tracing procedure, and despite the fact that Gaspar and co-presenter Roch-Lè Bloem broadcast from separate studios, a decision was taken that Roch-Lè would self-isolate for eight days with immediate effect.
“JP Botha will continue to stand-in and present the afternoon show until Gaspar’s return,” says Jay.
Gaspar, who is in good spirits and is taking the prescribed medication says: “I am missing being able to chat with everyone but not feeling too guilty about taking some time out to recover.
“I’d encourage people to please take every possible precaution. I have been so careful and yet I have contracted the virus, which only proves that we need to be extra cautious because we cannot see this thing.”
Jay has assured all staff and independent contractors of management’s continued support during the pandemic.
“Roland will receive all of the necessary support to assist him on his path to recovery. I want to take this opportunity to thank my team on an outstanding display of proactivity and an ongoing job well done under trying conditions.”
Sixty two of the 70 people engaged by Algoa FM have been working remotely since the start of Lockdown on the 26thof March.
