Australia has implemented some of the world's strictest anti-vaping laws, limiting the sale of vapes exclusively to pharmacies since the beginning of July, with consumers required to present a doctor's prescription to buy vaping products.
From July 1, nicotine vapes in Australia are regulated as therapeutic goods, which means they are only available at pharmacies to help people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.
Until Sept. 30, everyone needs a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner to purchase therapeutic vapes from a pharmacy.
The government's decision, aimed at curbing the increasing use of vapes among young people, has garnered wide support from the public and health experts.
"Government needs to do more, absolutely," said a local in Sydney.
"We are protecting lung health. The idea of anyone who is not as familiar with lung disease, lung pathology, lung structure, lung function, saying that you can vape safely for a period of time and no risk of harm will accrue is, well, it just says more about the person who makes that claim," said Matthew Peters, professor of respiratory medicine at Macquarie University.
Australia has successfully cut smoking rates through strict anti-tobacco measures, including plain packaging and steep taxes.
But researchers warn that the popularity of vapes, particularly single-use types, threatens that success.
"Disposables are highly addictive, sweet, and incredibly cheap so it cuts by about 90 percent the cost of buying your first vaping product," said Peters.
In January, Australia's government banned the importation of single-use or disposable vapes.
There are concerns about how well the anti-vaping laws are enforced and the potential growth of black market vape sales, but many like Peters remain optimistic.
"When the sort of creases in the supply system are ironed out, this will be infinitely superior to having a consumer model," said the professor.
Australia's Labor Party proposed stricter vaping bans to limit sales to people with a medical need, but the proposal was dropped after opposition from Greens lawmakers who said it would restrict access for people trying to quit smoking.
Australia toughens anti-vaping laws, restricting sales to pharmacies
A festive atmosphere is building up as people across China have been making preparations to ring in the Spring Festival next week, with lights and decorations set everywhere, and with New Year goods markets all seeing booming sales.
The Spring Festival, which marks the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important annual holiday in China, when people across the country return to their hometowns for Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations and family reunion.
In Xi'an City of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, a grand lantern show is in its final stage of preparation before opening to the public ahead of the eve of the 2025 Chinese Lunar New Year. To be lit up on Wednesday, the large light sets presented at the event will draw numerous visitors, with lanterns that replicate 38 cultural relics as the highlight.
Buying New Year flowers has been a custom for Chinese people. In Yancheng City of east China's Jiangsu Province, various flowers which have auspicious meanings are already in high demand.
This year, tulips bred locally have been put on sale, and quickly become a favorable choice for many customers.
"I have never seen this kind of flower before. I think it is really bright-colored. Therefore, I decided to buy some to enhance the festive atmosphere at home," said Zhang Jinjian, a local resident.
The Anchang ancient town in Shaoxing City of east China's Zhejiang Province has a time-honored custom of making aired sausages and spiced duck.
As the Spring Festival draws near, plenty of visitors and tourists choose to purchase these local delicacies as ingredients for their Chinese New Year feast.
"The number of tourists has been increasing, so the sales of our spiced meat have been quite good. Compared with the same period of last year, our sales is expected to increase by about 50,000 yuan (about 6,835 U.S. dollars). We will earn an additional 200,000 to 300,000 yuan (27,335 to 41,000 U.S. dollars) in sales during this whole winter," said Yang Jing, owner of a local spiced meat shop.
In southwest China's Yunnan Province, the "Tiaocai dance" is a time-honored tradition of the Yi ethnic minority group. The dance is presented in the form of serving dishes while dancing to the rhythm. It usually happens on a joyous or grand occasion.
Since the most significant annual festival is around the corner, Yi people have dressed up in traditional costumes, and got ready to welcome the arrival of the Chinese Lunar New Year with the special dance.
People across China make preparations to welcome Spring Festival