Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) male caregivers are being asked to shave their facial hair.

Some facial hairstyles compromise the effectiveness of the N-95 face mask, preventing a tight seal around the face.

An N-95 respirator and surgical mask are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that protect the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminating the face and are critical during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Said Thomas Whalen, MD, LVHN Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), “LVHN is asking colleagues on the front line who do not require an accommodation for a sincerely held religious belief to shave their facial hair.”

Whalen, who shaved his beard as a show of support, is urging men in the community to join in and shave to support those doing their part to keep the community healthy and safe.

Information: including for people with COVID-19 and links to LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test locations: www.LVHN.org/covid19