Awareness banners being put up at a quarantine center in Phek.
PHEK, JUNE 10 (MExN): The District Hospital, Phek conducted a sensitisation program for the NGOs and civil societies of Phek Town on the COVID-19 pandemic on June 7.
“As COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person through droplets released through sneezes, coughs & spit, the need to sensitise the public has become a top priority during this pandemic. The consumption of tobacco and indiscriminate spitting in public poses a risk factor,” informed a press release.
Speaking at the program, Dr Nichukholie Vupru, Nodal Officer of the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) Phek said using of tobacco products such as gutkha, paan, paan masala with tobacco, tamul, talab and other tobacco products enhance the spread of COVID-19 as it increases the production of saliva, which leads to increased spitting in public places.
Dr Vupru added that large gatherings at the retail outlets for procurement of tobacco products also pose the risk for spread of COVID-19. He further informed the participants that smokers have greater chance of transmission of virus from hand to the mouth due to frequent lip touching; it also weakens the immune system and makes the lungs more vulnerable to COVID-19.
The program was also attended by doctors, nurses and staff of DH Phek.
Meanwhile, the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Phek distributed leaflets on the dangers of tobacco use and COVID-19 at the quarantine centres. Banners were also put up at the quarantine centres.
