THE World Health Organisation has warned that smokers may be more vulnerable to getting infected with Covid-19, as smoking damages the lung function and increases the possibility of transmission of viruses from the hand to the mouth.

There are more than 35 million people in Pakistan who smoke tobacco. Studies have shown that Pakistan ranks among the countries with a high prevalence of tobacco smoking. The authorities concerned need to ban smoking, at least for as long as the pandemic continues.

Azhar Ali
Larkana

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2020