The precautionary measures imposed by the government authorities in Sudan to limit the spread of the Corona epidemic caused the old-fashioned Echo Sports newspaper to cease publication until further notice, thus becoming the first specialized sports newspaper in the Arab world to be forced to suspend its publication.
The newspaper's editor-in-chief, Mamoun Abu Shiba, told Emirates Today that the administration considered that granting workers leave for health safety until the global health disaster is over and that stopping is not final, but until the current conditions are clear.
He added: "The authorities decided to start the curfew from six in the evening to six in the morning, and it is difficult to keep up with the events. Also, the cars of the distribution companies have to wait until six in the morning to move to the states at a time when all markets are closed at four in the afternoon and it prevents the newspaper from reaching the readers at a time Suitable before the start of the embargo. "
But the newspaper, which was founded by journalist Muzammil Abu Al-Qasim, who worked in the UAE in the former Arab News newspaper, does not seem to be transformed into following the example of international newspapers, which are currently relying on the website and digital versions to confront the Corona epidemic and the lack of distribution.
Abu Shaibah said: "Generally, we have not reached the stage of thinking about the final abolition of the paper newspaper and the shift to electronic publishing, this matter is premature at the present time, and we ask God to raise the calamity and that life will return to normal soon."
The newspaper's website has not been updated since late February.
The Sudanese Secretary-General in charge of the National Council for Press and Press Publications, Muhammad al-Amin Muhammad Abdullah, stated that a number of sports newspapers are about to cease due to the cessation of sports activity.
The Secretary said in a press statement to the Sudan News Agency "SUNA" that the council will play its role in obtaining night passes for journalists whose circumstances require working at night and that there is no intention to stop daily paper newspapers as part of the campaign to ward off the Corona pandemic, but the council will implement the decision if it is issued by the Supreme Committee.