Lehigh Valley Health Network male caregivers have been asked to shave their facial hair as some facial hairstyles compromise the effectiveness of the N-95 face mask, preventing a tight seal around the face.

The N-95 respirator and surgical masks are examples of personal protective equipment used to protect the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminating the face and are a critical piece of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Facial hair is popular right now,” LVHN’s Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Thomas Whalen, MD, said. “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, says we are all in this together and is urging other men in the community to join in and shave to support those doing their part to keep the community healthy and safe.

LVHN is asking the community to join in and post their before/after photos on social media and use the hashtag #ShaveAgainstCOVID.