75% of smokers fear for their safety after the COVID-19 lockdown is eased

A study has revealed that smokers are very concerned about the health and safety implications of the impending easing of the lockdown and what comes next. In total, 73% want the lockdown to stay in place until trace testing had been rolled out, with 65% stating that the threat of a second wave was their primary concern.

Ibiza Vape Club have released the findings from a snapshot study examining smokers’ fears associated with COVID-19 and the impending easing of the lockdown and their smoking habits during this period. The study polled 2000 adult smokers between the ages of 18 and 55+ and primarily focused on evaluating whether their smoking habits had changed during the coronavirus lockdown and if so, what had prompted the behavioural shift.

Joanne Emmerson, Head of Marketing, Ibiza Vape Club, said: “The study revealed that the majority of smokers in the UK are very concerned about their safety as the lockdown is eased. That fear has had a measurable impact on smoking habits during the crisis, with more notable increases in the number of people who are moderate to heavy smokers.”

The study (executed by OnePoll) was commissioned to provide insights into smoking during this stressful time to support the ongoing development of Ibiza Vape Club’s SWITCH TO QUIT programme. This programme was designed to support smokers who want to quit smoking by switching to vaping (the use of e-cigarettes is fully supported by NHS Smokefree services1). Coronavirus is presenting smokers with an unprecedented risk to their health 2 and with NHS quitting services temporarily on hold and vaping stores closed, smokers who want to switch to quit are out on a limb. SWITCH TO QUIT provides appropriate products, vaping know-how and behavioural support (all based on the NHS quitting service model), enabling smokers to make a smoother transition to vaping.

In addition to examining smoking behaviour, the study also looked at the aspects of the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown that concerned them, specifically what they were worried about regarding life after the lockdown.

What are your main concerns about life after the lockdown is over?

• A second wave of the disease - 65%
• Life not returning to normal - 48%
• Job security - 32%
• Another (different) pandemic hitting the world - 29%
• Managing any debt accumulated during the lockdown - 25%
• No concerns in particular - 6%
• Other - 1%

Other quoted concerns included:

Mental health

Concerns for elderly family members

The economy not recovering

Returning to normal and not learning lessons from this crisis about communities and the environment

Domestic violence and regaining personal freedom from an abuser

Study highlights:

• 75% are worried about their safety when the lockdown is eased.
• 73% want the lockdown to stay in place until there is adequate testing.
• 65% said that their biggest fear is a second wave of the outbreak.
• 48% reported being concerned that life will not return to normal.

EDITOR’S NOTES

References:

McNeill, A. et al. Evidence review of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products 2018. A report commissioned by Public Health England (2018).

ITN Interview, 18 March 2020 https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-03-18/smokers-urged-to-quit-now-more-than-ever-or-face-greater-risks-from-coronavirus/

Head of Respiratory Medicine at Swansea University Professor Keir Lewis commented during an ITV news broadcast that those who smoke have more than likely damaged the cells protecting their nose and airways. This means that they are more likely to develop lung problems as a result of contracting COVID-19, whether or not they have other medical conditions. Professor Keir also warned that many smokers who have existing lung conditions are at even greater risk.

Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, said: "In light of concerns about the spread of COVID-19, we would urge smokers more than ever to consider giving up a habit that seriously affects the body's natural defences."

Time for a smoke? One cigarette reduces your life by 11 minutes. Mary Shaw, Richard Mitchell, Danny Dorling BMJ. 2000 Jan 1

Ibiza Club

Ibiza Club is wholly owned by AFB Plc, a multi-generational family-run business with over 100 years of experience in delivering quality products to high street stores and supermarkets all over the United Kingdom.

Ibiza Vape Club was created to meet the increasing demand for vaping products in the UK. Before entering the vaping market, AFB Plc made a conscious decision to wait until there was enough regulation to ensure the stability of the products and the marketplace. Hence, once the government had published manufacturing and distribution standards, we entered the vaping market in 2018.

Ibiza Vape Club products are available directly from our online store, and in supermarkets, high street convenience stores and petrol stations across the UK.

Ibiza Vape Club – Position on Smoking

Smoking is terrible for anyone; we don’t advocate or support smoking. Public Health England published a report about vaping and its impact on health that concluded that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking.1 If you must smoke, vape, and if you have never smoked or vaped, don’t start. It’s as simple as that.

McNeill, A. et al. Evidence review of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products 2018. A report commissioned by Public Health England (2018).

#SAFEVAPEUK

Ibiza Vape Club has created an online resource where smokers and vapers alike can learn more about vaping, the industry and the latest news. No frills, no spin, just facts. An ever-expanding library of frequently asked questions (FAQ) cuts through the fiction and misinformation and focuses on the facts. In addition to the FAQ, an active blog covers all aspects of vaping plus news and innovation.