The Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) are taking timely measures to ensure the safety of people related to the circulation of newspapers, and against the spread of rumours amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
People around the world are terrified and anxious due to the rapid increase of coronavirus infection globally.
The infection rate and deaths are increasing every day and the research regarding the nature of the virus and its treatment is still ongoing.
Noab is extending solidarity to this difficult period.
The association says newspapers have always remained beside the people during any national disaster. The newspapers have provided helpful and awareness creating information during the coronavirus outbreak, too. They have been publishing news regarding coronavirus research, and relevant information about hygiene as soon as they become available.
Many people are avoiding reading newspapers upon being confused that the virus can spread through paper without any scientific basis.
There is no proof regarding the survival of the virus on newspaper or paper. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States has also stated that there is no danger of coronavirus spreading through newsprint.
Prof Carolyn Machamer of Johns Hopkins University, a cell biologist who specializes in coronaviruses, on the university website, said less than 0.1% of the starting virus material remains on surfaces after a few hours or days, depending on the material.
Despite such information, Noab, on behalf of all its members, has started an awareness campaign among the agents and hawkers.
The most important thing now is to know the latest facts and to inform others.
The newspapers of the country are beside the readers, regularly providing news related to health and safety, even during the coronavirus epidemic, said Noab.
Discussion with circulation managers
In a meeting convened by Noab with Bangladesh Newspaper Circulation Managers' Association at the Prothom Alo office, these were among the decisions taken:
The association will keep circulating the newspapers as long as they are printed.
A request was made to send letters to the agents from Noab and the Editors' Council.
Cost of equipment needed to curb the spread of the virus will be carried by everyone concerned.
Agents, hawkers to be provided with protective equipment
As a part of Noab's awareness campaign, 23,000 masks, 23,000 gloves, and 3,000 hand sanitizers will be distributed among the agents and hawkers throughout the country including Dhaka.
The decision was taken at the meeting of Bangladesh Newspaper Circulation Managers' Association.