Italy requires vape shops to continue operating amid COVID-19
To curb the spread of the COVID 19, the Italian government has adopted some of the most stringent measures in the world, such as banning all public assemblies, closing schools, and requiring most commercial companies, including bars and restaurants, to cease operations. Initially, e-cigarette shops were also included in the lockdown list, but now the ban has been lifted.
If the vape shops are all closed, hundreds of thousands of e-cigarette users may re-smoke. It is already a public health issue. In addition, many e-cigarette users with respiratory diseases have improved their symptoms through the use of e-cigarettes. If the Italians stop using e-cigarettes, they will see an increase in the worsening of these patients. With the current overwhelming number of beds in the intensive care unit (ICU), this will put great pressure on the national healthcare system.
This move of the Italian government proves that the government has truly recognized the benefits of e-cigarettes over cigarettes without ideological issues.