The World Health Organisation has confirmed newspapers remain safe to read during the coronavirus pandemic.

The WHO has said the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low, and therefore the risk of contracting COVID-19 through receipt of a printed paper is infinitely small.

The organisation had advised precautions such as washing hands remain essential to preventing the spread of the disease in any circumstance.

However, it stressed that “the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is low”.


Virologist George Lomonossoff, told BBC Radio Scotland: “Newspapers are pretty sterile because of the way they are printed and the process they’ve been through (to be produced).”

The UK government is committed to allowing news providers to stay open within new lockdown legislation and confirmed that journalists are recognised as key workers.

The newsagents’ trade body has welcomed a decision by regional publishers to join a home delivery scheme amid the Coronavirus outbreak.


The Federation of Independent Retailers has praised companies backing the Deliver My Newspaper home news delivery initiative.

Reach Plc, JPIMedia and Newsquest are among those to support the scheme, which allows readers to get newspapers delivered to their door for free for up to six weeks.

NFRN president Stuart Reddish said, “Supermarkets are under increasing pressure from customers and independent retailers must play their part in both feeding and informing the nation.


“Through HND independents will not just be opening an important new revenue opportunity at a time of business uncertainty but undertaking a vital public service for the over 70s, those self isolating and the most vulnerable in our society. You are key to providing newspapers to inform, educate and entertain those isolated at this unprecedented time. I know you can do it.”

NMA chairman Henry Faure Walker has also issued an open letter to retailers concerning the importance of news publications during the coronavirus outbreak.


He wrote: “The need for independent, verifiable news and information is more important than ever during the coronavirus crisis, with the public turning to the news publications they trust in unprecedented numbers. The news media fulfils a critical service at this time, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable where information and support is so vital.”

Reach plc says it is putting “mitigation plans” in place to partially offset the effect coronavirus will have on print circulation.


The company issued a trading update this morning in which it set out its current strategy regarding COVID-19’s impact on the business, emphasising its priority had been to “safeguard the health and wellbeing” of staff.

The update states, “Given the rapidly changing situation, we have actively shaped business operations to best adapt to the current trading environment. This has included broadening our interactions with customers (via apps and newsletters), alongside offering more convenient options for our printed products, with an increase in home delivery.


“While the first 12 weeks of the new financial year have traded overall in line with our expectations, the situation remains significantly uncertain and it is too early to assess the expected impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on FY 2020 and beyond.

“Currently, the principal trading areas expected to be impacted are advertising, print circulation and events. Advertising revenue deferrals may be expected given its discretionary nature, print circulation will be impacted by footfall reductions and closures of outlets and events delays or cancellation may be necessary.”

https://punchng.com/newspapers-cant-give-you-coronavirus-who-confirms/

Ok

Noted

The same WHO that told us that currency notes can transmit coronavirus. What's the difference between currency notes and newspapers?
This people just keep confusing people

Ayax:
Noted

As you don note am, shey you no go touch newspaper again?

Iyiataata92:

As you don note am, shey you no go touch newspaper again?

You for ask am when last he buy and read newspaper

ojun50:

You for ask am when last he buy and read newspaper

I know he might not be reading newspapers. Thats why I didnt ask him. But he may use it to tie suya, go to toilet, etc

Iyiataata92:
The same WHO that told us that currency notes can transmit coronavirus. What's the difference between currency notes and newspapers?
This people just keep confusing people

The matter tire Mattha, who we go believe

Lala how dis thin de waka about

Cc: lalasticlala