Smokers are more likely to develop severe coronavirus symptoms if they contract the disease, Public Health England (PHE) has said.

Professor John Newton, Public Health England's director of health, encouraged people to stop smoking both for their own health and to protect others.

Stressing the implications of the pandemic, Prof Newton said: "There has never been a more important time to stop smoking, not only for your own health but to protect those around you.”

Since Covid-19 attacks the respiratory system, it is thought that smoking, which can damage the lungs and airways, puts people at greater risk.

Officials from PHE point to a “small but highly impactful” Chinese survey which calculates that smokers with coronavirus are 14 times more likely to suffer from severe disease.

Prof Newton told smokers that "it is never too late to quit, no matter your age”, adding that the body continues to heal itself the longer the person remains smoke-free.

According to PHE, people who give up smoking should find that their breathing and blood circulation improve, enabling them to exercise more easily within 12 weeks.

Additional reporting by PA

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