Indian state of Jharkhand bans tobacco product use during COVID-19 pandemic
The Indian state of Jharkhand has banned public consumption of all tobacco products. The ban applies to cigarettes and vaping products as well as bidi, paan-masala, hookah and gutka. The primary reason for the ban is to prevent transmission of COVID-19 through, among other things, deterring people from spitting in public places. Those found breaching the ban could face 6 months in prison or a fine of Rs1,000 (approx. $13).