DTCC campaigns against spitting in public places

Dimapur, June 23 (EMN): In order to create awareness among the public not to spit in public places as a measure to fight the spread of Covid-19, district tobacco control cell (DTCC), Kohima, organised a poster campaign on ‘national tobacco control’ at Kohima on June 23.

Dr. Arenla Walling, district nodal officer of tobacco control cell, stated that the campaign was organised to create awareness among the public not to spit smokeless tobacco in public places, as spitting releases saliva in the air and on the ground that could lead to an increase in the risk of spreading Covid-19, a DIPR report stated. She added that it a right time to quit chewing tobacco products for a safer and better health, as tobacco use compromises the immune system making it more challenging to fight infection.

She also stated that chewing of tobacco such as ‘pan and tamul’ could become a source of infection if handled by suspected vendors. She added that sharing tobacco products such as cigarettes and pipes could transmit the virus between people.

Dr. Arenla also stated that smokers have greater chance of transmission of virus from hand to mouth due to frequent lip touching. She added that anyone exposed to second-hand smoke may be similarly vulnerable to Covid-19.

Dr. Arenla informed that district tobacco control cell has put up posters in most of the quarantine centres in Kohima and also distributed posters to others villages in Kohima districts to create awareness of tobacco control. She further encouraged everyone to be a responsible citizens to fight Covid-19 together.

The awareness programme was organised by the district tobacco control cell, Kohima, under the National Health Mission, department of Health and Family Welfare.