On Saturday, Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramalu announced that the state has banned the use of smokeless tobacco products as well as spitting in public places. The state follows the footsteps of other states and Union Territories in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.
In early April, the Union Ministry of Health had issued an advisory asking the states and the Union territories to take measures to curb the use of tobacco products as it increases the chances of the COVID-19 spread.
In the order dated May 29th, the additional secretary of Health and Family Welfare said that due to the increase COVID-19 cases in the state and as per the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the Indian Council of Medical Research, the state has taken the decision to ban the sale of smokeless tobacco. The order read,
“After going through their recommendations in-depth, the state as per the powers conferred by the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020 section 4(2)A and Indian Penal Code 1860, the state to prevent the spread of Corona and other communicable diseases have banned the usage of chewing tobacco products and consuming pan masala products and spitting them in public places.”
Those who are found to be violating the orders will be booked under the Indian Penal Code 188,268,269,270 and strict action will be taken. The state had earlier banned the sale of single cigarettes.
Anti-Tobacco Day Awareness
On the occasion of Anti-Tobacco Day on the 31st of May, the state is set to raise awareness about tobacco consumption under the theme – ‘To Prevent the use of tobacco products and save the younger generations from the devious ways used by tobacco manufacturers.’ Special masks designed to spread awareness about the usage of tobacco will be manufactured and will be distributed among the public.
The Health Minister B Sriramalu also spoke about the Padarayanapura Corporator who tested positive for COVID-19 and refused to admit to the hospital. Talking about the same, the minister said that those who turn positive for the novel coronavirus have to admit to the hospital and isolate themselves. He heavily came down against the corporator for being irresponsible.
Source: News First Live
