Participants who smoked both cigarettes and e-cigarettes were between five and seven times more likely to contract the virus.

The restrictions will limit the sale of specific flavours and concentrations of vapes to specialty retail stores and licensed cannabis retailers.

Nova Scotia announced a maximum nicotine level for all e-liquids and vaping products, starting September.

Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to ban flavours, and Delorey says the details of the nicotine regulations will be established at a later date.

“Obviously we have rules in the school system that we have to follow through on, but we’re not going to punish our way out of this,” substance abuse prevention counsellor Doug Rogers said.

The ban comes with major exceptions that benefit vaping manufacturers, retailers and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices.

All e-cigarettes will need to undergo FDA review in May. Only those that demonstrate public health benefits will be permitted to stay on the market.

If enacted, the Health Canada regulations would prevent advertising for vaping products in public spaces, in convenience stores or online.

Regulations are being prepared to prohibit the sale of cannabis vaping products that have a scent or flavour other than cannabis noticeable before or during use.

Last month, Premier Stephen McNeil said his government is looking at regulations that could include a ban on flavoured vaping products.