A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention graphic from 2017 has resurfaced in the wake of coronavirus panic, showing which facial hair styles could render respirators useless. Media outlets and some on social media are spreading the graphic with the claim that the CDC is telling people to shave their beards to protect against the virus.
But is the CDC actually telling people this? No, it’s not.
The CDC guidelines and the graphic were originally posted as part No-Shave November in 2017 as advice to those wanting to grow beards during that month. It specifically points out the difficulties beards could pose with tight-fitting respirators used in certain industries and not looser-fitting surgical masks.
According to 3M, surgical masks are not designed to protect your lungs from airborne hazards and do not fit tightly to the face to begin with. They are designed to reduce the amount of spit and mucus the wearer expels.
By contrast, respirators actually filter particles from the air when properly fitted and are secured tightly to the face. These particulate and surgical respirators are what the CDC guidelines specifically address.
Different workplaces may have alternative accommodations for employees with facial hair.
“Facial hair that lies along the sealing area of a respirator, such as beards, sideburns, or some mustaches, will interfere with respirators that rely on a tight facepiece seal to achieve maximum protection,” the CDC said in its blog entry.
In an updated FAQ as of a couple weeks ago, the CDC stated it does not recommend the use of respirators outside of work. It also does not recommend the use of face masks to protect yourself against the coronavirus unless recommended by your doctor.
“A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms,” the CDC wrote. “This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings.”
The best way you can protect yourself, according to the CDC, is by following these tips:
RECOMMENDED • syracuse .com
Fourth person dies in Legionella outbreak at Albany assisted living facility Sep. 10, 2024, 10:11 a.m.
Breast cancer rises among AAPI women Sep. 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m.
And nowhere in the CDC’s current information on the coronavirus does it advise you to shave your beard.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Cookie Settings
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2024).
© 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here.
