With the decree recently approved by Paraguay, smoking in indoor public spaces and workplaces is now banned in all countries of the region, reports the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The PAHO congratulated Paraguay for banning smoking of lit or electronic tobacco products in enclosed public spaces as well as crowded outdoor places. With this decree, Paraguay joined the rest of South American countries in establishing smoke-free environments in indoor public spaces and workplaces as mandated by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
“This is a great achievement for the people of Paraguay,” said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. “The country has taken an enormous step toward protecting its citizens from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke.”
Under Decree No. 4624, approved by Paraguay’s presidency on 29 December 2020, smoking lit, heated, or electronic tobacco products is permitted only in uncrowded open air public spaces that are not transit areas for non-smokers, the report said.