CALOOCAN CITY, Aug. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) now classifies smokers as vulnerable persons for COVID-19 infection.
"We classify all smokers as vulnerable because based on scientific evidence, once they get COVID-19 they experience more difficulty in recovering," DOH Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said during the DOH Media Forum on Monday.
She emphasized that smokers have a weaker lungs making them at risk compared to other patients. The reason why it's harder for them to heal is that the lungs is the target of COVID-19.
The DOH cited that there are other factors that is linked to smoking especially in smoking areas if we look at how COVID-19 is spread.
"We do not have scientific evidence that gives directly link to the relation between tobacco or cigarettes and COVID-19," Vergeire said.
Vergeire added that although there is no direct link between smoking and COVID-19, it still has relation to other factors.
"These smoking areas that many people congregate would violate the physical distancing and at the same time, you don't wear your masks when you smoke," Vergeire said.
Vergeire added that without mask and physical distancing, it would cause a problem because smokers are only enclosed in an area.
Under the Joint Memorandum Circular 20-04-A of DTI and DOLE, it is stated that designated smoking areas in the workplaces should have with individual booths.
Employees are also required to observe physical distancing and other health protocols inside the designated smoking areas.
Vergeire added that smokers can get infection whenever they put the cigarette in their mouth.
"When you touch your lips and if your hand is contaminated, you might be able to get that infection," Vergeire said.
As of August 17, DOH reports 3,314 additional cases bringing a total of 164,474 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country. The total active cases is at 49,034.
The health department also announces additional 237 recoveries and 18 deaths. The total reported recoveries is at 112,759 and the total deaths is at 2,681. (PIA-NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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