Coronavirus safety related measures

Newspaper publishing has been deemed an essential business during this unprecedented time. We are encouraged that officials see value in accurate local news and our other services.

The printing process for newspapers and shoppers is very automated and there is little to no touch by human hands to an individual copy of a paper prior to it reaching the post office or carrier. We are paying close attention to the agencies who provide information for safe business practices and are enforcing the following:

■ Social distancing: Our employees are maintaining safe distances in the plant and have been instructed to separate during breaks.

■ Gloves: Team members are wearing gloves when working on equipment or handling papers. 

■ Hand washing: Team members have been reminded to wash their hands with soap and water.

■ Cleaning: We have increased the frequency of our cleaning and sanitizing routines.

■ Sick policy: We are asking employees who do not feel well to stay home, and have expanded our return-to-work policy to 72 hours post fever without the aid of medication.

In addition, we want to share that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Surgeon General have all said there is very low risk that the coronavirus is being spread through newspapers and the mail.