Smoking can contribute to an increased susceptibility to the COVID-19 virus. Active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure have both been associated with similar outcomes for a wide variety of respiratory illnesses.

Tobacco Free Florida has developed materials to educate the public about preventing infection and the importance of quitting smoking. This is valuable information for those most vulnerable to COVID-19. Resources about smoking and COVID-19 are available on tobaccofreeflorida.com . Please visit https://tobaccofreeflorida.com/blog/covid19/ .

Also, you may download an infographic about smoking and COVID-19 here: https://tobaccofreeflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TFF-COVID19-Infographic-English-4.28.2020.pdf

The Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), who provide group cessation counseling, have transitioned their classes to a virtual format. Florida smokers continue to have a variety of supportive quit services- phone, group and web. To learn more about the free and effective quit services offered, visit tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway .

COVID-19 updates from the Florida Department of Health are available here: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov . The COVID-19 Call Center is also available

24/7 at (866) 779-6121. The COVID-19 Email Center can be reached at [email protected] . Please share these important messages and resources with members of your community.