Question NW1056 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)With reference to her assertion that the sale and use of tobacco products is associated with increased risk of the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which she used to justify the prohibition of tobacco product sales, what is the scientific rationale and empirical basis for the prohibition; (2) whether she and/or her department assessed the countervailing hypothesis that nicotine actually minimises the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as suggested by data showing a disproportionate under-representation of habitual smokers in infection cases; if not, why not; if so, what conclusions have been drawn in this regard? NW1346E