Measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases including

Measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases including Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 by restricting the use /spitting of smokeless tobacco, pan masala, etc and smoking of hookah (waterpipes) in public places. 

We, Voluntary Organisation in Interest of Consumer Education (VOICE) in collaboration with Consumer Association of India, Chennai; are working on various social issues including tobacco control. We support and applaud the measures taken by your Government for social distancing to contain the spread of NCoronavirus/Covid-19 virus.

In order to further reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including Covid-19, we request that you seriously consider passing the necessary orders to prohibit the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco products in all public places, and the use of hookah (water pipes) in public establishments. The Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India has appealed to the general public to refrain from consuming smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places during the Covid-19 epidemic[1] as, chewing smokeless tobacco products (Gutkha, Paan masala with tobacco, Paan and other chewing tobacco products) and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the Covid-19 and other infectious disease.

The use of any hookah (with or without tobacco) in public establishments such as cafes, bars, lounges, hotels, restaurants, etc., can increase the risk of spreading Coronavirus/Covid-19 and other infectious diseases. The communal nature of water-pipe smoking at public establishments means that mouthpieces and hoses are often shared. In addition, the apparatus itself provides an environment that promotes the survival of microorganisms outside the body such that the potential for transmission of infectious diseases like Covid-19 between users is increased.

In its lockdown communications dated 13^th, 16^th March, and April 14, 2020, Central Government informed the State/UT Governments that they have the necessary authority under the Epidemic Diseases Act,1897, the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the Indian Penal Code 1860 to deal with Nvel Coronavirus/Covid-19. Accordingly, several State/UT Governments have invoked relevant provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act,1897 and the Indian Penal Code 1860 and other laws to prohibit the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco, hookah, pan masala etc., to check the spread of NCoronavirus/Covid-19 and other infectious diseases

In view of the increasing danger of NCoronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic, we respectfully request you to urgently consider passing the necessary orders for prohibiting the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco products (zarda, khaini and other chewing tobacco products), paan masala and areca nut (supari), in all public places and the use of hookah (waterpipes) in all public establishments. We recommend that any person disobeying the orders should be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188, 268, 269, 270 and 278 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) (draft orders are enclosed for reference).

While this matter is clearly an urgent necessity, we recommend that the orders are made on a permanent basis. The current pandemic and crisis management of the Covid-19 disease demonstrates the need to always be vigilant in our steps to reduce the risks of spreading infectious diseases. The recommended orders will help protect against both the current and future crisis.