The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared an infographic enlightening people on how their choice of facial hair could impact the effectiveness of a mask or respirator.
The discussion surrounding the decision to wear a mask or respirator has been heightened after a top official for the CDC said that coronavirus is bound to make its way to the United States.
“We expect we will see community spread in this country," Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said, per CNN. "It's not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen and how many people in this country will have severe illness."
The CDC advises only those infected or beginning to show symptoms wear a mask as a preventative measure against spreading the virus. But if you find yourself wearing a respirator, your best bet is to probably just get rid of your facial hair altogether, so that the mask can be effectively sealed to your skin.
If that isn’t an option, you should probably then consult the infographic to get a better idea. Or, at least, to get a good laugh at some of the names given to these looks in these alarming times.
Anyway, if you’re cool with wearing a mustache, then you’re most likely in the clear. Just don’t choose a time like now to start getting real experimental with your style because anything that interferes with the seal is a no. Any beard is not a good idea, and if you want to finally try out what they’re calling the “Toothbrush,” but we all know it as something else, who is going to pass judgment if it’s hidden from view under the mask, right?
