Stop Use of Tobacco Products To Prevent Corona Virus

Stop Use of Tobacco Products To Prevent Corona Virus

GSA Writes Letters to Retrain Tobacco Products To Prevent COVID Spread

Nabaz-e-Punjab Bureau, Mohali, April 3:
Generation Saviour Association a non-profit organization working in public health wrote letter to senior officials of Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India to issue advisory to all states and UTs regarding strict prohibition of manufacture, distribution, sale and use of Tobacco in any form including Pan Masala, Chewable tobacco, Hookahs and E-Cigarettes for prevention and spread of COVID 19.
The recent studies have proved beyond doubt tobacco users are more likely to be infected with corona virus as they usually have respiratory problems and have low immunity. There is also an increased risk of bacterial and viral infections from Hookahs as Hookah bars are frequented in groups and the same mouthpiece is usually used by all the participants, so Hookah smokers are exposed to microorganisms that may be harmful to health. Also, often youngsters use same e cigarette and thus exposing themselves to corona virus risk. Spitting increases the changes of spread of corona virus. It is often seen that people consuming tobacco products like pan masala and the like often spit it on public place and are therefore likely to spread corona virus.
Opinder Preet Kaur Gill, Director, Generation Saviour Association applauding the efforts made by India to fight against the corona virus said, “Use of tobacco products in corona epidemic will further elevate the problem. Therefore, it is necessary that strict action should be taken against such tobacco products at all levels of supply and distribution chain. Although E cigarettes are banned but still there are many people who are dealing in it and are using it. Also, many States have banned Hookah use and sale but still in majority states Hookah use is prevalent. Therefore, it is my ardent request to that all State heads should make efforts to restrict use of Tobacco in any form including Pan Masala, Chewable tobacco, Hookahs and E-Cigarettes for prevention and better management of COVID 19”.
Generation Saviour Association has also written request letters to senior policy makers in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to take serious action against tobacco products to prevent spread to corona virus in the region.