EU
European governments are ensuring that smokers and vapers can keep up their habits while they hunker down at home in lockdowns to stem the spread of coronavirus. Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland are keeping tobacco kiosks open along with essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies, while the rest are closed.
Continued access to cigarettes and vapes will prevent withdrawals or anxiety attacks while smokers are forced to stay home. However, the World Health Organization has said it is possible they may have an increased risk of more severe reactions to Covid-19, just as smoking makes people more susceptible to respiratory illnesses.
Nevertheless, there are signs even tobacco is being stockpiled, along with toilet paper, food, and soap.
“People have been buying cartons and cartons of cigarettes in the last few days,” said Sascha Kuenzler, who owns a kiosk shop in downtown Zurich. “Many of them have also switched to loose tobacco so they can roll their own.”