Recognizing the COVID-19 transmission threat of smokeless tobacco use and spitting in public, Ahmedabad – the largest city in India’s western state of Gujarat known for its cotton textiles, street food and diamond cutting – took the decision to close stores selling paan and other chewing tobacco earlier this year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, smokeless tobacco has become an even greater public health concern than usual. Chewing tobacco products such as gutka, khaini, zarda, paan and paan masala, induce salivation and trigger the urge to spit.
The act of spitting can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, potentially including COVID-19. Another risk associated with smokeless tobacco, is the contact of fingers with the lips or nose