"Smokers probably aren't wearing masks, for one.
Scientists believe that the main way the coronavirus is spread is through close contact with infected people via oral and nasal secretions, including saliva and respiratory droplets released from the mouth or nose when someone coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings.
"While there are no studies looking directly at secondhand smoke and the spread of the coronavirus, the same droplets people spray when they’re coughing, sneezing, or talking are exhaled when they’re smoking (and vaping).
"Additionally, it’s possible that the smaller evaporated particles that are released when speaking, singing, and smoking may be transmitted via aerosolization (i.e. staying in the air for a long time), said Julie Lyou, MD, MPH, a pulmonologist with St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, California."
I stay away from second hand smoke regardless
Me, too. Holding my breath, I run past smokers.