Smokers urged to quit now or face greater risk from coronavirus

[Cookham v Coronavirus]

Smokers face a greater risk from coronavirus and may also be chancing with the welfare of their loved ones, Public Health England has warned.

Professor John Newton, Public Health England’s director of health, said that in light of the “unprecedented” pandemic sweeping the globe, “there has never been a more important time to stop smoking, not only for your own health but to protect those around you”.


PHE said that smoking can cause damage to the lungs and airways, and Covid-19 attacks the respiratory system.

Officials also point to a “small but highly impactful” survey from China which finds that smokers with Covid-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease.