SCR131

A Concurrent Resolution urging residents of New Jersey to quit smoking and vaping in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Whereas, People who smoke tobacco are at increased risk of developing numerous adverse health conditions, including lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, as well as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and certain autoimmune disorders; and

Whereas, Although the risks of using vapor products are yet to be fully understood, vaping has also been associated with a number of adverse health complications, including certain respiratory conditions, and is associated with increased use of traditional cigarettes; and

Whereas, The risks of smoking are not limited to the smoker alone. People exposed to secondhand smoke are also at increased risk of developing serious and chronic respiratory conditions, coronary disease, and stroke; and

Whereas, The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has developed into a global pandemic, is a disease that primarily affects the respiratory system. In many cases, COVID-19 results in severe respiratory symptoms that can cause death or require prolonged treatment using a ventilator; and

Whereas, According to the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education at the University of California, San Francisco, smoking is associated with more than a doubled risk of disease progression in those who have contracted COVID-19; and

Whereas, According to the World Health Organization, smokers who contract COVID-19 are more likely to experience severe symptoms from the disease than are non-smokers; and

Whereas, According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, because the SARS-CoV-2 virus attacks the lungs, smokers and users of vapor products who contract COVID-19 are at enhanced risk of experiencing severe symptoms and developing complications from the disease; and

Whereas, The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Surgeon General of the United States, and state health departments across the country advocate that the preventative measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic include quitting smoking and vaping and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke; and

Whereas, Smokers and vapor product users who quit tobacco products will be taking an essential step to reduce the risk of developing severe and potentially-fatal complications in the event they contract COVID-19, and will additionally be taking an important step to improve their overall health and remove from their lives a significant risk factor for developing serious health problems associated with the use of tobacco products; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

1. The New Jersey State Legislature strongly urges all citizens of the State who currently smoke or use vapor products to quit smoking and vaping, both to help protect their own health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to protect the health of those around them.

2. New Jersey residents who smoke or vape are further encouraged to take advantage of the resources that are available to assist them in their efforts to quit smoking and vaping, including, but not limited to, calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW for coaching assistance and other support.

3. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Commissioner of Health and to each county and local board of health for use in any appropriate informational and outreach campaigns as may be undertaken by the Department of Health and the county and local boards of health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

STATEMENT

This concurrent resolution urges people who smoke or use vapor products to quit smoking and vaping in light of their enhanced risk of developing severe and potentially fatal complications in the event they contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19, which has developed into a global pandemic, is caused by a virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. The symptoms of COVID-19 can be fatal and in many cases require prolonged treatment using a ventilator. People who smoke or vape are at significantly higher risk of developing serious adverse symptoms and complications from COVID-19.

This resolution urges people who smoke or vape to quit smoking or vaping, both to protect their own health and the health of those around them. The resolution further encourages people who smoke or vape to take advantage of the resources that are available to assist them in their efforts to quit smoking and vaping, including, but not limited to, calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW for coaching assistance and other support.

Copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the Commissioner of Health and to each county and local board of health for use in any appropriate informational and outreach campaigns as may be undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.