The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that facial hair may interfere with the effectiveness of face masks and respirators used to combat the spread of diseases such as coronavirus.
Having a beard, stubble, or mutton chops can interfere with the protection provided by the mask, which works to remove contaminants from the air and covers at least the nose and mouth.
As the deadly virus, which has infected more than 81,000 people, continues to spread around the globe, millions of people are relying on face masks to keep them from spreading or coming in contact with germs.
CDC has, however, stated that people who are showing symptoms of the coronavirus or are caring for somebody in close settings are the only people who should be wearing facemasks – adding that people who are perfectly healthy need not wear a mask.
