The IBVTA’s COVID-19 Advice For The UK Independent Vape Industry

The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has issued advice, alongside some useful links on it’s website, in order to assist its members tackle this difficult time.

Diane Caruana

April 16, 2020

The IBVTA is the only trade association in the UK focused on the independent vape industry, which by definition (being independent of affiliations with the tobacco industry) prioritises the wellbeing and safety of customers and staff. To this effect, the association has made some advice and useful links available on its website for its members.

“The UK Government website is updated in real time as new information and advice becomes available and can be found here.
The UK COVID-19: support for businesses guidance can be found here.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 have been put in place to reduce the risk of further human-to-human transmission by keeping individuals in isolation where public health professionals believe there is a reasonable risk an individual may have the virus.
The NHS website regularly issues updates and can be found here.
Welsh Government updates can be found hereThe Scottish
Government updates can be found here.
The Northern Irish Government updates can be found here.“

PHE: There is no evidence linking vaping to COVID-19

The IBVTA went on to reassure vapers that experts at Public Health England (PHE) have pointed out that currently there is no evidence indicating that the coronavirus can be contracted by inhaling someone else’s exhaled vapour.

“Public Health England’s 2018 independent evidence review found that to date, there have been no identified health risks of passive vaping to bystanders. There is currently no evidence that coronavirus can be caught from exposure to e-cigarette vapour.”

“There is currently no evidence that coronavirus can be caught from exposure to e-cigarette vapour.”Public Health England

The association added that in line with the latest government’s guidelines to contain the pandemic, vape stores must remain closed until further notice. However, it assured, online and delivery orders are not affected.

Check the IBVTA website for updates on the UK situation

Meanwhile, assures the IBVTA, it is doing its utmost to stay in touch with local authorities and pass on up to date relevant information to its members. “The IBVTA worked late into the night and as early as possible this morning in order to get further clarification from governments as to whether vape stores can re-open, and as soon as we have that clarification, we will issue further advice.”

“We fully respect that this is a very difficult time, and as our phone lines are extremely busy today we appreciate your patience while we work hard to get the answers that best support independent vape businesses, their staff and most importantly, their customers.”