Equating the designated smoking areas (DSAs) with ‘Covid-19 hotspots’ in public places like hotels, airports and restaurants, a senior scientist has called for abolishment of such zones to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, the CG Pandit National Chair at ICMR, said, “It has been seen that no safe distance norms are followed in these zones which are usually like smoke-filled chambers where people take off their masks and follow no social distancing norms. Hence, there are chances that the virus may remain airborne for a long period while smokers come and go, adding to the risk of transmission.”
“In the absence of Covid-19 safety norms, there is always a threat of transmission from such closed spaces, particularly at a time when we are facing the threat of the second wave of the pandemic,” he said at a webinar on ‘100 per cent smoke free public places: challenges and way ahead’, organised by SpeakIn, an online learning and speakers’ platform..
“Also, new evidences have shown that death risk among smokers with Covid-19 disease is two times higher than non-smokers. This just adds to the healthcare burden,” he added.
“In the wake of Covid-19, the importance of preventive healthcare has gained importance. It’s time to legally ban such health hazards zones impacting non-smokers to deter the violators. Also, the public should come forward to support the 100 per cent smoke-free public places movement, BJP national spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal said while GP Sharma, President of Uttar Pradesh Hospitality Association talked about the ill-impact of tobacco on the public in the Northern State. “We support a ban on tobacco and creating awareness among hotel owners about its toxic health impact,” he added.