Newspapers ‘cannot carry Covid-19’ say health officials

PEOPLE who receive home deliveries such as newspapers during the coronavirus outbreak are not in danger of contracting the disease from the package, the World Health Organisation (Who) has said.

According to Who: “The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and 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 also low”.

America’s Centre for Disease Control also said coronavirus had “a very low risk” of spreading on packages, newspapers, and other mail due to the “poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces”.

Coronavirus, or Covid-19, spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health officials say the best way to prevent contracting the disease is by washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. You should also stay indoors and practise social distancing – staying at least two metres apart from anyone else – if you have to leave the house for an essential reason. The Evening Telegraph will still be offering a free-of-charge home delivery service for anyone self isolating or stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak.

If you would like the Evening Telegraph delivered to your door six days a week, or to find out more about the benefits of home delivery and if it’s available in your area, call 01382 575427. Alternatively you can email newspapersales@dcthomson.co.uk to find out more about your options.