Coronavirus in Jordan: Smoking completely banned in enclosed spaces

As of July 2, 2020, Jordan had recorded 1,133 cases of Covid-19 infection, and 9 deaths. In order to protect the health of the population, smoking e-cigarettes and hookahs in enclosed public spaces is now prohibited.

Any act of smoking concerned

Smoking cigarettes in enclosed public spaces had already been banned in Jordan since 2008, but now, "in order to protect the health and safety of our citizens, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences, any act of smoking (cigarettes, electronic or not, hookahs) is prohibited in enclosed public spaces," the Ministry of Health said.

Indeed, "Smokers and passive smokers are more likely to be infected with Covid-19 disease, with more serious symptoms." This measure is unprecedented in the country, where hookah is particularly popular.

High smoking

The WHO (World Health Organization) has long reported that Jordan is among the countries with the highest number of smokers. According to the British daily The Guardian, which cites a survey conducted in collaboration with the WHO, Jordan has the highest smoking mortality rate. And for good reason, 8 out of 10 men regularly consume nicotine. If we exclude e-cigarettes and “smokeless” products, it appears that 66 % of men and 17 % of women smoke in Jordan. According to a 2019 national study, the average consumption for an adult smoker exceeds one pack of cigarettes per day (21.3). Ban measures are also said to be difficult to enforce.

The cause? The interference of the tobacco industry and very aggressive strategies on the part of cigarette manufacturers, which make it difficult to legislate on the subject. A major health problem when we know the impact of primary, secondary and tertiary smoking on health.