A paid-for weekly newspaper has suspended publication due to coronavirus, citing staff safety for the decision.

The Examiner, which is based in County Armagh, has announced the move after similar measures were implemented at a number of free weeklies in England.

The independently-owned Examiner says it aims to resume production when it is safe to do so.

The title covers the south Armagh area and is headquartered in the village of Crossmaglen.

A statement on the Examiner’s Facebook page reads: “It is with deep regret that, due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, we announce The Examiner is temporarily suspending production to help safeguard our staff, printing and distribution network from this rapidly spreading virus.

“Our intention is to resume production when it is safe to do so.

“We take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and look forward to continuing to serve our community when we get through this crisis.

“In the meantime, we urge you to stay safe and adhere to the government lockdown directive to stay in your home and travel only when absolutely necessary.”

JPIMedia has already implemented the same measure at eight free titles – the Bedford Times & Citizen, Milton Keynes Citizen, Luton Herald & Post, Brighton & Hove Independent, Mid Sussex Gazette, News Post Leader and News Guardian.

The company is also set to suspend the free-distribution element of paid-for titles the West Sussex Gazette, Crawley Observer, Hemel Gazette and Buckingham Advertiser/Bicester Review.

The Midland News Association has suspended publication of free titles including “the UKs biggest free weekly newspaper” Chronicle Week, the Shrewsbury Chronicle and Telford Journal.