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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2020 ) > List of Articles

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Integrating Tobacco Control Measures with COVID-19 Control Programs: A Multisectoral Model

Anusha Divvi, Sivabalakumaran Kengadaran

Citation Information : Divvi A, Kengadaran S. Integrating Tobacco Control Measures with COVID-19 Control Programs: A Multisectoral Model. 2020; 3 (3):133-133.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-02249

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 30-11-2020

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


Abstract

The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. From then, there was a rapid spread of disease across countries resulting in a heavy toll of life. Most of the countries responded to the situation by immediate lockdown. Healthcare services were completely revamped and only emergency services were provided other than COVID-19 services. In India, more than one lakh cases were diagnosed; of which 3,000 were reported dead. Although the numbers show an increase in COVID-19 cases, the mortality of COVID-19 is not comparable to the tobacco epidemic in India. The lockdown has provided tobacco users with changed social circumstances and self-isolation, which makes quitting easier. However, following the lift of lockdown there is a peak expected in both COVID-19 cases and tobacco use. It is wiser to captivate on the existing scenario and integrate COVID-19 and tobacco control measures so that both the conditions can be handled effectively.


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