Laura Sharman 04 May 2020

Around 300,000 quit smoking due to coronavirus

Council leaders have welcomed figures that show around 300,000 people have quit smoking due to an increased risk from coronavirus.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), also found a further 550,000 people have tried to quit, with 2.4 million cutting down the amount they smoke.

Evidence suggests that smokers in hospital who have coronavirus are at a higher risk than non-smokers of severe illness.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of ASH, said: ‘Covid-19 is making everyone much more concerned about staying healthy, and for people who smoke that means quitting.

’This survey shows that Covid-19 has increased the desire of many smokers to quit. It is important that health professionals are still able to offer them the support they need to give them the best chance to succeed.’

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'Smokers are at particular risk of COVID-19 and it is encouraging that so many have quit the habit for good.

'We need to continue to support people to give up smoking altogether, both through the current crisis and beyond, if we are to save lives both in the immediate and longer-term.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£45,586-£61,664
Join Our Values-Driven Psychology Service in Sandwell as an Educational and Child Psychologist Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Quantity Surveyor

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band G, SCP32 - 37 (£42,839 - £48,226) per annum
There is an excellent opportunity to join the Quantity Surveying team within the Asset Management Directorate of Sandwell MBC. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Highways Technical Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Kirby Misperton, Malton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Registration Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£31,537 - £36,363
In this role, you will enjoy working with customers, delivering great customer service in a busy front-line environment. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Digital and Automation Analyst

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220-£42,839
Are you passionate about improving digital services for everyone? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner