GROUP PUSHES FOR SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACES TO FIGHT SPREAD Of COVID-19

THe World Health organization (WHO) said that smoking is a known risk factor for severity of any lower respiratory tract infection like the Covid-19 virus.

To support smoking cessation during the Covid-19 pandemic, Healthjustice Philippines called on the government anew to take an active stance to promote smoke-free workplaces.

Smoking and Covid-19 risk

AMID the continuing threat of Covid-19, the Department of Labor and employment (Dole), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) together with the World Health organization (WHO) and stakeholders from the different medical societies in the Philippines jointly crafted a handbook that aims to protect the welfare of the Filipino workforce.

In relation to Covid-19, WHO, as stated in the handbook emphasized:

n It has been shown that the SARS-COV-2 virus may be transmitted through exposure to secondhand smoke;

n Smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to Covid-19 as the act of smoking means that fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are in contact with the lips which increases the possibility of transmission of the virus from hand to mouth;

n Smoking products such as water pipes often involve the sharing of mouth pieces and hoses, which could facilitate the transmission of Covid-19 in communal and social settings; and

n Smokers may also already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity which would greatly increase the risk of serious illness and higher risk of serious lung conditions such as pneumonia.

Ensure smoke-free working environment

LAWYER Jacky Sarita, executive Director of

Healthjustice Philippines, a non-profit organization, also reminded that government offices should be kept 100 percent smoke-free as stated in the Civil Service Commission (CSC) memorandum Circular (mc) 17, s. 2009 or the “Smoking Prohibition Based on 100% Smokefree Policy.”

The memorandum circular, Sarita stressed, prohibits “smoking in or on the premises, buildings, and grounds of government agencies providing health, education and/or social welfare and development services such as hospitals, health centers, schools, and universities, colleges among others.”

Likewise, designated smoking areas are also not allowed.

Alarmed that workplace smoking has a “serious safety” and “health hazard,” Sarita revealed that they even wrote Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III last year.

Request for reconsideration

IN his follow-up letter on September 18, 2020, Sarita asked Bello to reconsider the policy on the establishment of smoking areas in workplaces, citing the first letter sent to his good office dated August 21, 2020 signed by former CSC Commissioner mary Ann Z. Fernandez-mendoza who made the same request.

“Instead, we fervently request that Dole espouse smoke-free workplaces to truly protect and promote the health of our fellow Filipino workers,” Sarita said as the organization reaffirmed their commitment to “contribute in the efforts of the government to defeat Covid-19 and create a healthier future for our country.”

He added: “We are confident that the Philippine government, through the leadership of President rodrigo roa Duterte, is steadily moving for ward in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic by providing policies which limit the transmission of the disease. However, we note that the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. manifested that workplaces, particularly smoking areas, are one of the main sources of transmission.”

Suggested amendments

IN this regard, Healthjustice has recommended that Section 7 of the Joint memorandum Circular 20-04-A, s. 2020 (DTI and Dole Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Covid-19) be amended as follows:

“Workplaces must be smoke free. except for workplaces which must be absolutely smokefree pursuant to republic Act 9211, employers may designate smoking areas which must be outside the workplace in an open space following the standards provided under CSC memorandum Circular 17, s. 2009 for government offices and executive order 26 for other workplaces. employers shall require employees to strictly observe physical distancing measures and other applicable health protocols [i.e. no talking inside designated smoking areas.]”

With this amendment, Sarita reiterated that it is expected that the employers will be able to protect both smokers and non-smokers in the workforce. “It will be consistent as well to existing health protocols issued by other government organizations and by the National Task Force Against Covid-19,” Sarita said as he also offered that their organization is willing to provide “technical assistance” in relation to the concern.

Although Bello appreciated the organization’s enthusiasm on advocating smoke free workplaces, he said “our current framework allows smoking in designated areas in the workplace.”

“Hence, Dole cannot issue such rules and regulations pursuant to your recommendation unless a law is enacted that absolutely prohibits smoking in the workplace,” the Dole chief said.