For Men: Check the styles of beards that may make you more likely to catch coronavirus

Coronavirus: An infographic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) shows how different styles of beards can stop face masks and
respirators from working, thereby exposing people to the deadly
coronavirus.

The chart was initially released in 2017, but has resurfaced after a
top CDC official warned that it’s no longer “a question of if…but
when” coronavirus will spread in the US.

The infographic shows that certain types of beard will not allow face
masks fit properly and this could increase the person’s likelihood of
contracting the virus.

Being clean shaven or having side whiskers, soul patches and
handlebar moustaches will allow the face mask to fit properly. However
lengthier styles such as the Fu Manchu tashe, mutton chops, beards and
even stubble are not recommended because they would likely interfere
with seal, allowing air particles to slip in.

The chart was published to tell people what facial hair works with
tight-fitting masks. The CDC says you don’t need to wear a respirator if
you are already healthy. However it is “crucial” for medics and anyone
displaying the flu-like symptoms.

A goatee, horseshoe and villain moustache are fine with caution but
the hair should not cross the respirator’s sealing surface, according to
the poster.

Facial hair styles that may present a problem include chin curtains,
extended goatees, circle beards, hulihee, French fork and ducktail. Most
moustaches with varying degrees of flare are acceptable – including the
walrus, the toothbrush and the Zorro.

After the infographic poster did the rounds on social media, NHS
staff at Southampton General Hospital were urged to shave as an
infection control measure. Hospital chiefs sent an email which included
the infographic, but said those who have beards for religious or
cultural reasons are exempt from the ban.

Below are photos of the beards that may not properly fit into a mask,
thereby exposing you to the virus, and the ones considered safe. Those
considered safe are marked in green while those beard styles that
increase your likelihood of being exposed to the virus are crossed in
red.