COVID-19 coverage Editor’s Note: Wondering if it’s safe to read your morning newspaper? The following is a message from our sister newspaper, The Columbian, but much of the information also applies to the Camas-Washougal Post-Record.
Readers can be assured that receiving and reading through the pages of newspapers is still considered safe, according to the World Health Organization.
The Columbian is taking every precaution in producing and delivering the newspaper during the Coronavirus outbreak. Every one of our readers, employees and contractors is an asset to our company, and we truly value your health and safety. We continue to monitor and follow information daily released by national and local organizations.
1. Is it safe to continue to get my paper delivered?
Yes, it has been deemed safe to receive packages such as newspapers. According to the World Health Organization, “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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also advised consumers that coronavirus had “a very low risk” of spreading on packages, newspapers, and other mail due to the “poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces”.
Readers can minimize the risk by following good hand hygiene practices and avoiding sharing copies outside of the home, in cafes and libraries. Hand hygiene means washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or rubbing your hands with alcohol-based hand rub for about a minute, immediately after touching frequently touched surfaces and objects. Health officials also recommend people avoid touching their face.
2. Is The Columbian delivering to quarantined buildings?
Yes. The Columbian will continue to safely deliver newspapers to quarantined buildings. Newspapers are delivered to the lobby or, if access is denied, outside of the quarantined building.
3. Are the newspaper delivery bags safe?
Yes. Our delivery bags have been in our warehouse for months and are handled by a minimal amount of people before they are delivered to our subscribers. Again, readers can minimize the risk by following good hand hygiene practices and avoiding sharing copies outside of the home.
4. How can I suspend delivery of my paper?
We understand that you may still have concerns about your newspaper delivery during this time. If you no longer wish to receive the newspaper, you can temporarily suspend delivery with our Customer Service representatives at circulation@columbian.com or (360) 694-2312. All print subscribers are offered free access to our ePaper digital newspaper replica, The Columbian website and smartphone app. Go to www.columbian.com/digital or contact our customer service center at (360) 694-2312. For Post-Record information, visit www.camaspostrecord.com.
5. How can I stay up to date about the coronavirus?
The Columbian is committed to keeping our readers informed of the latest Coronavirus news. Get the latest updates at www.columbian.com. To see the Post-Record’s coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.camaspostrecord.com/news/covid19/.
