Smokers are more vulnerable to the coronavirus disease.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority made this reminder on Monday in support to the appeal made by the Department of Health to the people to stop smoking.
MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the agency supports the DOH's call on the public to quit smoking, stressing that it poses detrimental effects on the smokers’ health as well as to people exposed to second-hand smoke.
"Health experts say that smoking weakens the immune system. Staying healthy is a must especially during this Covid pandemic," he said.
Lim added that the MMDA is strictly implementing its anti-smoking regulation within its premises in compliance with the Civil Service Commission’s directive ordering a smoking ban on all government offices.
"Also, we have an existing circular which refers to the MMDA as a 100% smoke-free workplace. It also includes provisions on the protection against tobacco industry interference and establishment of MMDA smoking cessation program,” he further said.
Under MMDA Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2018, all personnel are absolutely prohibited from smoking and vaping within the agency's premises and in all other workplaces to which they are assigned. Smoking and electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) paraphernalia are also not allowed.