eNCA news anchor Shahan Ramkissoon has tested positive for COVID-19. According to the news station, Shahan began feeling ill last week and was advised to go for testing on Friday, June 19.
“His results came back on Monday, 22 June 2020. He will remain off-air and in self-isolation until the end of the stipulated 14-day period,” said Jody Jacobs, eNCA News Room Operations Manager in a statement.
The eNCA anchor is part of a team based in the channel’s Johannesburg office isolation studio that was set up eight weeks ago as part of the broadcaster’s disaster management plan. The studio was set up to help minimise risk and manage the number of staff members working in a single area, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.
“The isolation studio is completely removed from the channel’s main broadcast area, and its operations have not been impacted. All staff members on the affected shift, based in the isolation studio, have been sent home to self-isolate,” Jacobs said.
The company is undertaking the necessary track and tracing process to identify potentially exposed staff members.
In view of current developments, eNCA has initiated further measures to protect its employees, including the addition of separator screens inside the studios operating rooms.
The channel will continue to monitor the health of affected employees.
Picture: eNCA