#Spanish region Galicia bans public smoking over coronavirus risk

The Spanish region of Galicia has banned smoking in public over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

The ban will prevent smoking in public places, such as restaurants and bars, and outside unless six feet can be maintained from other people in the northwest region, EuroNews reported.

The move comes after the country’s health ministry warned that smoking increases the risk of contracting COVID-19 because people project droplets when they exhale smoke, the BBC reported.

Smokers can also risk exposure when they touch their cigarette before bringing it to their mouth, as well as when they take their face masks on and off, the outlet reported.

Health officials also pointed to how smokers could potentially suffer worse bouts of the illness.

“Current evidence indicates that smoking is associated with… a higher risk of developing a severe form of symptoms,” the agency said.