Smokers, vapers, safety

I'm writing this to bring an absolute essential concern regarding us Illinoisans entering Phase 3 of reopening. The use of vape is growing among people living in the USA, which actually in other words is to simulate smoking by inhaling and exhaling which is similar to use of shisha at Hookah lounges. I am genuinely concerned about what is the plan of reopening of Hookah lounges in the future keeping in mind that customers sitting at the Hookah lounges might be mostly exposed to COVID-19 as they inhale and exhale sitting at one place.

I understand, as we enter the Phase 3, we are typically allowed to have food at the restaurants with complete social distancing with outdoor dining option, but the concern remains the same for the Hookah lounges, even if they plan on doing the same as restaurants are offering the customers. How can they prevent the spread of coronavirus when vaping or smoking shisha involves inhaling and exhaling in the same environment where we might have a chance of getting sick?

I have been seeing people smoking cigarettes, vapes and shisha outside of their houses, office buildings, parks, gas stations and wherever there's an access of the general public, which is quite dangerous. What is the take of authorities on this concern? Are they going to put a ban on smoking in these spots before or during the Phase 3 of reopening to reduce the spread of Coronavirus or do we have to risk our lives anyway because this isn't going to stop?

Yasir Feroz

Oakbrook Terrace