Sikh medics speak against pressure on healthcare workers to shave

Sikh groups have spoken out about the lack of clarity on calls for facial hair to be shaved to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Groups such as the Sikh Doctors Association (SDA) and British Sikh Doctors Organisation (BSDO) have stated the issue – prompted by new guidelines on mask fittings for healthcare professionals – is a simple case of providing the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) for an individual. Many have spoken out in concern about a potential backlash that Sikh healthcare workers could face after a spate of media stories highlighting facial hair as a potential health hazard in regards to the coronavirus.

Also, the notion that masks cannot accommodate beards is frankly ridiculous. Sikh men have long practised holding their luscious beards in with a thathi – for both vanity and practical purposes.

— Jastinder Kaur, PhD (@jaskaurphd) March 31, 2020

The appearance of practicing Sikhs being so distinct, coupled with the level of coverage seen on beards being an alleged health hazard, has seen concern grow on this issue and thus statements released by the Sikh Council UK (SCUK), Sikh Coalition USA and representative group Sikh Assembly, as well as various Sikhs speaking on the issue on social media.

????????. Sikhs do not shave but can tie the beard tightly & closely to the face to allow for PPE coverage. My father did this for 40 years whilst working on the NHS. Sikh surgeons @ShoulderDocUK @DeepuSethi are probably more qualified than I to speak with regards to hospital care. ????????

— Poora Singh (@PooraSingh) March 13, 2020

In two statements released in late March, SCUK in conjunction with SDA said they were “concerned” that Sikhs would be negatively affected by the NHS “Fit Test”, based on the fact most media coverage of this test on appropriate facial hair for the required masks did not include alternatives highlighted by SCUK/SDA, who stated “Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) or Controlled Air Purifying Respirators (CAPRs) are alternatives providing an equivalent protection factor to FFP3. Healthcare professionals that fail the ‘fit-­‐test’ for the FFP3 Masks because of their facial anatomy or facial hair are able to work with COVID-­‐19 patients if they are provided with this alternative personal protective equipment (PPE).”

In a statement released later that same day, Sikh Assembly also advocated ensuring all possible is done to allow Sikhs in healthcare to perform their duties, saying “it is essential to be utilising all aspects of our communities at this time so that the NHS is able to maintain the freedom of religion of its staff who continue to be valuable members of the national effort to save lives”.

Sikh Coalition, a US based legal and political Sikh advocacy and aid group, have also highlighted the alternative PPE available for Sikhs keeping kes, as well as offer free legal support to anyone impacted by the pressure to remove facial hair.

The BSDO were clear in stating on social media “For people who fail fit testing (including Keshadhari [Sikhs keeping kes, unshorn hair] Sikhs) where a filtering face piece is required you will need a PAPR Resp. Hood” whilst also encouraging any members of the British Medical Association to contact the union for support and providing details on alternative PPE.

Updated UK PPE guidance 2.4.2020

For people who fail fit testing (including Keshadhari Sikhs) where a filtering face piece is required you will need a PAPR Resp. Hood. @SikhPA @DrGSAlg @Khalsa_Aid @citysikhs @MPS_SikhAssoc @JagtarNijjar @PreetKGillMP @TanDhesi @SikhCouncilUK pic.twitter.com/ycfC0luigt

— British Sikh Doctors (@BritishSikhDocs) April 2, 2020

Further to the discussion, many have actually come forward and stated there is no real hard evidence that a beard is a barrier to a good fit when wearing the N-95 mask that is most readily available for healthcare workers.

Sikh Paramedic here. For 20+ years. Not only is image faulty, there’s actually no good evidence that beards interfere/prevent seal with N-95 mask more than other things like face shape, weight, etc.

And anecdotally, I passed every N-95 fit test I took.

— Sahaj S. Khalsa (@ssk040) February 28, 2020

Also, in an interview on the subject of beards impacting masks, Dr John Swartzberg said “I know of no science to support” theories relating to the supposed negative impact a beard could have in regards to spreading a virus.

Speaking on calls (many made on social media) for Sikhs to simply remove facial, parcharak (Sikh educator) of world renowned Sikh educational outlet Basics of Sikhi Harman Singh said “Along the path of Sikhi, keeping kes (unshorn hair) is mandatory as a sign of submission to the will of Creation and keeping of the distinct look of a Sikh of the Guru. Once kept, kes are never to be cut no matter the circumstances. This is irrevocable for any Sikh.

“Keeping of kes goes hand-in-hand with the maintaining the highest level of cleanliness possible, something that is also mandated in Sikh practice. Based on this, along with the information from medical professionals about alternative PPE, there is no reason a Sikh should ever be pressured to remove facial hair.”