Some EU countries and regions let vape shops stay open during the outbreak
Some European countries and regions, including France, Spain, and Italy, have allowed vape shops to reopen or operate via delivery during the outbreak, while policy debates continue elsewhere.
France, Spain, and Italy have allowed vape shops to reopen, while other European countries like Malta only permit purchases through delivery. Other countries, such as the UK, are still negotiating lockdown terms.<\/span><\/div>
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In this regard, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has urged local authorities to open vape shops nationwide, pointing out that closing these shops could force many former smokers to return to smoking. UKVIA referenced the situation in Italy in an open letter to the relevant authorities, noting that despite the alarming spread, the government reversed its decision to close vape shops.<\/span><\/div>
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Similarly, in France, a decree amendment on March 14 stated that as long as vape shops take all necessary precautions to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, they are considered to be of "public interest" and are allowed to reopen.<\/span><\/div>
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Does vaping increase the risk of virus infection?<\/span><\/div>
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While the World Health Organization has indicated that smokers may face a higher risk of severe reactions to Covid-19, other well-known institutions (such as the notorious vape critic Dr. Stanton Glantz) have also linked vaping to a higher risk of contracting the virus. (The American Heart Association was recently forced to retract a study that failed to substantiate its claims linking vaping to heart attacks).<\/span><\/div>
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At the same time, prominent anti-smoking activist and researcher Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos has refuted the connection between vaping and virus infection. "There is no evidence of any impact of electronic cigarettes on coronavirus infection and disease progression; we cannot rule out the possibility that using propylene glycol may have some beneficial effects... It is disheartening to see the ongoing coronavirus pandemic being politicized (and misused)," said the cardiologist.<\/span><\/div>
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