In March, Earl J. Williams, executive director and CEO, International News and Media Association, wrote an article exploring the possibility of COVID-19 transmission on printed surfaces. It was a thoroughly researched story, citing four main sources and several secondary sources.

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There were four main points in conclusion:

1. There has never been a reported case of COVID-19 transmitted via newsprint.
2. Scientific research indicates transmission via inanimate surfaces present the lowest risk for the shortest time.
3. The ink and printing process make publications even more sterile.
4. Publishers are taking extra precautionary steps throughout the printing and distribution process.

Three months later, more is known about the transmission of COVID-19, but the conclusion remains the same. Scientists and other experts confirm publications are not transmitters of COVID-19.

Virologist George Lomonossoff spoke on BBC Radio Scotland, “Newspapers are pretty sterile.” Health broadcaster Dr. Hilary Jones stressed the importance of obtaining information through newspapers. The National Health Service and World Health Organization agree.

With this in mind, fear not when you get your subscriber copy of Global Traveler or when you see it in a hotel, airport or other distribution point. Rest easy as you delve into all the travel news and info GT provides.

— John Wroblewski, online writer