Fake news, sensationalism and half-researched reports are challenges facing our society today.
The idea of shaving the beard for protection against the COVID-19 is making rounds on the Social Media, especially in Nigeria. This safety measure attributed to the Centers for Disease Control is false.
In its headline, The Punch, had in its headlines, “To be safe from coronavirus, shave your beard, CDC warns”
It goes further to report, like here, https://punchng.com/to-be-safe-from-coronavirus-shave-your-beards-cdc-warns/amp/
“The Centre for Disease Control in the United States has warned that facial hair can interfere with face masks and respirators, which are being used around the world in an effort to combat the global spread of coronavirus, a.k.a 2019-nCoV.”
While the report contradicts the heading, the report is on its own faulty.
Not just the Punch, some Local and National news outlets have been sharing a CDC graphic with similar captions, but, as it is, the graphic has nothing to do with the Coronavirus.
The guidelines from the CDC and the graphic were posted in the year 2017. It was to advise who were growing their beards in the No-Shave November.
It has nothing to do with the COVID-19, not any illness. It was dedicated to those who have to wear form-fitting masks in professional settings.
The graphic which shows which facial hair works with tight-fitting respirators is useful as a general guide for where one need to weak a facial mask or respirators.
However, the broadcasters of the fake news may have missed the current coronavirus advice regarding respiratory protection by the CDC which states that, “CDC does not recommend the routine use of respirators outside of workplace settings (in the community).”
Following the report, Nigerians have taken to the Social Media to discuss the development.
VERDICT: You do not have to shave your beards to protect yourself from the Coronavirus.
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