Young smokers fear Covid

TWICE as many younger smokers have quit the habit due to Covid-19 fears compared with those over 50, according to research by University College London.

Despite facing half the risk of death from the virus than their elders, the study shows that Britons under 30 were much more likely to give up smoking in an effort to avoid becoming seriously ill. Pressure group Action On Smoking And Health suggest several factors could be behind the pattern, including less peer pressure in pubs and bars, financial insecurity and moving back to the family home.