Should doctors shave their beards for coronavirus crisis?
Ethics experts say the question is tricky, especially when religious aspects are considered
Beards plus respirator masks are not a good mix, and ethical experts at the UK’s British Medical Association (BMA) have been weighing up whether doctors should have to shave their facial hair in light of the coronavirus emergency.
This is because beards impede the effectiveness of the recommended masks — a clean-shaven face is required to ensure a tight seal.
In the UK, the FPP3, and the P2 and N95 respirator masks in Australia are recommended for doctors as protection against airborne pathogens during the COVID-19 outbreak.
But will doctors who sport facial hair be required to apply the razor in order to protect themselves and their patients?
