Sikhs take initiative on PPE shortage amidst pressure to shave

Following issues of pressure on Sikh healthcare workers to shave due to government PPE (personal protective equipment) mismanagement, Sikh groups have taken it upon themselves to deal with the situation directly.

From fundraising to directly source, purchase and distribute the necessary PPE to finding innovative ways to ensure a mask is sealed as tightly as needed, Sikhs have been stepping forward to deal with the issue.

The suggestion is medical masks (specifically the N-95 which is most used) does not fit those with beards.  However, Dr Rajinderpal Singh has demonstrated how he passed a “fit test” for the mask with the NHS in a video released through Central Gurdwara Shepherd’s Bush (London, UK).

Although evidence shows there are various factors other than beards which impact how well a medical mask fits (head shape, face weight, etc), to relieve pressure for Sikh healthcare workers, Sikh medical experts have suggested the medical hood is more appropriate PPE for practicing Sikhs.

Reusable PPE, cost effective, one size fits all, prevents people removing beards worn for religious reasons. Better protection than just a face mask. Pts could see our faces! https://t.co/OtiyFeB2Lw@TotterdellJac @StGeorgesTrust @BritishSikhDocs @BritishIMA @jsbamrah @TheBMA

— Gaggandeep Singh Alg (@DrGSAlg) May 4, 2020

Keeping of kes (unshorn hair) is a mandatory practice on the path of Sikhi. For practicing Sikhs that have kept kes, shaving or even trimming any hair is an unthinkable act, making suggesting shaving as an option unacceptable for Sikhs. You can learn more on why by clicking here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJKwiJkLdFA.

The issue has become more apparent due to recent media fanning of the pressures against Sikh healthcare workers to shave as a solution to the lack of PPE. However, various Sikh organisations have been supporting those affected by this pressure at a grassroots level since March.

Many have spoken out and provided evidence that both those with beards can pass mask ‘fit tests’ and that other factors such as face shape or weight can also negatively impact how well masks fit.

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

Nevertheless, the suggestion that shaving is an answer towards resolving the PPE shortages has led to direct action.

 

 

Firstly, the Khalsa Jatha group of Central Gurdwara Shepherd’s Bush (London, UK) shared alterations that can be made to a medical mask to be sealed tightly, shown by transplant surgeon Dr Rajinderpal Singh.

Transplant surgeon Dr Rajinderpal Singh has improvised with a cover over his beard which allows him to wear an N95 mask that's passed a fit test. There's no need to shave to continue saving patients@SikhPA @BBCNews @DailySikhUpdate @ReutersUK @Khalsa_Aid @TOIIndiaNews @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/n2ZAsRl9by

— KhalsaJatha (@khalsajatha) May 7, 2020

Furthermore, UK based Sikh Doctors Association, have begun a fundraiser which will see them “provide specialist #PPE kits (PAPR) to those who are in distress and express a need” by purchasing them directly and distributing them free to healthcare workers of all faiths that may wish to keep beards, from Muslims to Jews to Rastafarians.

Donations can be made via this link – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sikh-doctors-association?utm_term=NdbAKWwqe.

NHS staff with religious beards need alternative #PPE gear. They’re at risk of being redeployed or asked to shave their beard.

We will provide specialist #PPE kits (PAPR) to those who are in distress and express a need.

Please support us via this link.https://t.co/TuPhPF8evr

— Sikh Doctors Association (@SikhDoctorAssoc) May 6, 2020

Continuing the huge Sikh community efforts to support the UK’s NHS (National Health Service), a Sikh TV channel also focused on PPE in a phenomenal fundraiser. UK based Khalsa TV earlier this week, led by Sikh community figure Kam Singh, raised over £100,000 in one evening and will be donating 100% of it to provide scrubs to the NHS.

 

Groups like the British Sikh Doctors Organisation, USA’s Sikh Coalition and others have been helping source the right PPE for any Sikh healthcare workers that needed it. Many feel the positive reaction of these Sikh groups to take initiative on the issue, as brilliant as it has been received, is also a sign that once more it is only Sikhs that will standup for Sikh rights.

Sikh PA will continue providing updates on this situation as it develops.