The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clearly had hipster guys in mind when it issued guidelines for what types of facial hair might interfere with filtering facepiece respirators used to protect against the spread of airborne contaminants and diseases like the coronavirus.
Soul patches and Zorros are OK, the agency says. But guys may want to shave those Van Dykes and mutton chops and Fu Manchus. (And for some reason, the CDC even approves of a Hitler mustache — which it diplomatically calls the “toothbrush.”)
The guidelines, which were first published in November 2017 but resurfaced this week, even come with an eye-popping infographic that illustrates what types of beards and mustaches might prevent a respirator from securing the desired tight seal on the skin around the mouth. (It’s worth emphasizing that the CDC does not recommend wearing a mask to protect against coronavirus unless you are already showing symptoms.)
A clean-shaven face, of course, is the most likely to keep the respirator mask’s seal — and even stubble might interfere, the CDC advised.
The agency has also noted that more facially hirsute gentlemen might be able to opt for a more loose-fitting device, such as a powered air-purifying respirator.
Respirators and masks have become hot commodities in recent weeks with the spread of the coronavirus. Worldwide, there are more than 82,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to CNN; approximately 3,000 people have died as a result.
On Wednesday, the first confirmed coronavirus case in the U.S. of “unknown origin” was diagnosed in Northern California. The CDC said “it’s possible this could be an instance of community spread of COVID-19, which would be the first time this has happened in the United States. Community spread means spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown. It’s also possible, however, that the patient may have been exposed to a returned traveler who was infected.”
43 Most Shocking TV Character Deaths of 2019, From 'Game of Thrones' to 'Stranger Things' (Photos)
If there was one thing 2019 taught us, it's that "shocking" is a truly relative term -- and we're not even talking about real-life instances here. Yes, it's pretty hard to blow anyone's mind these days, including that of TV viewers, making truly gasp-worthy small-screen character deaths few and far between. But that didn't stop several showrunners from doing their worst -- er, best, to totally kill you with these on-screen passings. Click through TheWrap's gallery to see the 43 most shocking TV character deaths of 2019. Obviously, spoilers ahead. And yes, most of these are "Game of Thrones" characters.
Trade Minister Nobusuke Tagomi - "The Man in the High Castle"
Amazon Prime Video
Thatcher Grey - "Grey's Anatomy"
ABC
Quentin - "The Magicians"
Syfy
Swanny - "SEAL Team"
CBS
Candy - "Pose"
FX
Jack - "Supernatural"
The CW
Riz - "Mayans MC"
FX
Asher - "How to Get Away With Murder"
ABC
The Night King - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Daenerys Targaryen - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Cersei and Jaime Lannister - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Sandor ("The Hound") and Gregor ("The Mountain) Clegane - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Theon Greyjoy - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Melisandre - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Varys - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Missandei - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Jorah Mormont - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Dolorous Edd - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Lyanna Mormont - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Beric Dondarrion - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Maester Qyburn - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Euron Greyjoy - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Rhaegal - "Game of Thrones"
HBO
Tara Chambler - "Walking Dead"
AMC
Enid - "Walking Dead"
AMC
Henry - "Walking Dead"
AMC
Siddiq - "Walking Dead"
AMC
1 of 44
OK, *most* are ”Game of Thrones“
If there was one thing 2019 taught us, it's that "shocking" is a truly relative term -- and we're not even talking about real-life instances here. Yes, it's pretty hard to blow anyone's mind these days, including that of TV viewers, making truly gasp-worthy small-screen character deaths few and far between. But that didn't stop several showrunners from doing their worst -- er, best, to totally kill you with these on-screen passings. Click through TheWrap's gallery to see the 43 most shocking TV character deaths of 2019. Obviously, spoilers ahead. And yes, most of these are "Game of Thrones" characters.