Coronavirus: WHO Says Newspapers Are Safe To Touch Amid Virus Outbreak; Here's How

Coronavirus: One of the many unfounded rumours, that have spread along with the spread of the virus, links the disease to newspapers, claiming that the newspapers can lead to transmission of coronavirus.

(Photo by Polly Thomas/Getty Images)

New Delhi: With the spread of coronavirus Covid-19, a number of rumours and myths have found way into our inboxes, which is as dangerous as the contagion itself as it can potentially lead to panic and hysteria among the people. One such unfounded rumour links the disease to newspapers, claiming that the newspapers can act as carriers of the coronavirus. However, by the information put out by the World Health Organisation, one can infer that receiving and reading newspapers is safe. As per the body, it is safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported ‘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,’ the WHO states in its question and answer segment for coronavirus. Also, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that it quite unlikely that the novel coronavirus could spread through the give and take of newspapers. As per WHO, the COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. How long does the virus survive on surfaces? It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.