Sunday, March 29, 2020

LVHN Male Caregivers Shave Against COVID-19

Why are Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) male caregivers being asked to shave their facial hair?
At Lehigh Valley Health Network, they are doing their part to keep everyone safe.

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 examples of personal protective equipment (PPE) that are 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,” said Thomas Whalen, MD, LVHN’s 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, 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. 

For those of you taking the challenge, tag your before & after photos with #ShaveAgainstCOVID.