PC
THOMAS
The
Apostle Saint Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection saying that until Jesus
himself comes to him and touches his body, he would not believe. In the same
way, as a skeptic literally by name, I decided that until the coronavirus
eliminated from Indore, I won’t read physical newspapers subscribed at home!
The
decision I took with my ignorance based on exaggerated rumors spread in
social media about newspapers being carries of covid-19. Also there were
no authentic pieces of information with regard to the issue came to my
notice at that time. However, in the peak of covid-19 induced lockdown, there
have been many doubting Thomases all at once discontinued newspapers in
their homes and satisfied themselves temporarily with e-papers. Through unlock
1.0-period, however, I restarted enjoying two newspapers including Metro
Vaartha subscribed at home.
Let me
say an experience with my newspaper boy Mayank Dindayal Sharma, aged 25, has
now become a bank officer! From childhood onwards he distributed papers, and
even after getting job in bank, he continues the distribution of papers and he
believes the paper-boy’s job adds him extra dignity besides his banking post. He
shares, “During lockdown the people were influenced by different
misunderstandings and rumors spreading that newspapers being instrumental in
the spread of corona virus. Thus, about 50-percent of people
stopped newspapers in April, however from May-June the situation has
entirely changed. Starting from June-July, more than 90-percent of
people wanted to get their daily newspapers again, but about 10-percent of
people are still under fear”.
Another
hawker Mahak Sharma shares-“Busting rumors during the peak time of strict
lockdown that have caused a fear amongst one and many. Almost all of my parties
have now re-stated subscription. Looking to safety, I deliver
newspapers wearing full gloves which are antiseptic. So it is never possible
for newspapers to spread this virus. The distributors are also
taking precautionary measures. Workers in printing press are using gloves as a
preventive measure to avoid any ill effects on them".
In the very March end, the World Health Organisation
(WHO) has categorically rejected the rumour spreading via social media that
newspapers can act as carriers of Covid-19. The WHO adds - “The probability 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 low, hence
what we can do? Wash our hands before and after reading newspapers or books”. All scientific evidences
suggest that absorbent paper surfaces that include newsprint are safe from the
coronavirus.
However,
in the stringent lockdown, the production and distribution of some local
newspapers in India have hit hard not only due to the coronavirus pandemic, but
also on account of misinformation. Most people say, despite the
availability of online-editions, obviously newspaper in hard-copy is always
ideal and preferred by almost all people together with their morning tea
intake. It is also true that if there is one thing that people are consuming
more during the lockdown, it is newspapers. Teaching people about hand
washing helps them and their communities stay healthy and safe in this corona
crisis. - askpcthomas@gmail.com
