The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday warned that smoking can increase ones chances of contracting the coronavirus.
WHO, who took to its verified Twitter handle cautioned that smokers are likely to face more severe symptoms if infected, leading to hospitalizations & premature deaths
The tweets read: “Smoking damages your lungs and other parts of your body, and it makes you more vulnerable to #COVID19 infection.
“It is the right time to No smoking symbol quit smoking for a safer and better health
“The tobacco industry is creating controversy & confusion about the risk of nicotine & tobacco product use and #COVID19.
“FACT: Health experts have warned that smokers with COVID-19 likely suffer more serious conditions that could lead to premature death.”
It claimed that “Tobacco lobbyists have tried to manipulate #COVID19 policy-making to get tobacco shops listed as ‘essential’ & offer free delivery of tobacco products to people in quarantine.
“Smokers likely face more severe symptoms if infected, leading to hospitalizations & premature deaths.”