Despite recent reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not advising men to shave their facial hair to avoid catching the coronavirus.
The reports cited an infographic that has been circulating online that shows the types of facial hairstyles that do and don’t work well when wearing facepiece respirators.
The graphic actually dates back to 2017 and was related to workplace safety.
A spokesperson for the CDC told The Associated Press that the image “was developed several years ago and is intended for professionals who wear respirators for worker protection.”
The resurfacing of the graphic comes at a time when Americans are on high alert about the coronavirus, or COVID-19, which has now killed two people in U.S. and left dozens of others sick. Worldwide, the virus has killed more than 3,000 people, with a majority in mainland China.
The panic over the coronavirus has led people to go out and buy face masks in an attempt to protect themselves. However, when it comes to COVID-19, the CDC actually says people should only wear a mask if they’re experiencing symptoms or are being investigated for possibly having the virus.
“CDC does not recommend the routine use of respirators outside of workplace settings (in the community),” the spokesperson told AP.
Health officials say that with masks in short supply, people should not hoard masks to allow those who are in need of masks, such as cancer patients and those recovering from surgery, to be able to obtain them.
Editor's note: This story originally stated that the CDC was recommending a clean shave to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
