Tackling an Australia-wide issue as many Sikh health professionals asked to get “clean-shaven” to pass face mask test

Sikh health professionals are advocating to wear face masks on top of an elastic band that helps them cover their facial hair.

A representative image of a Sikh health professional wearing face mask using an elastic band. Source: Supplied by SGP

SBS Punjabi has been contacted by at least six health professionals and students from different states who were told to get ‘clean-shaven’ to meet mask fit requirements amid the COVID-19 crisis. While state health departments across Australia are exploring different forms of ‘exemption’ on the basis of religious faith, many feel their ‘career is at stake’ given the added scrutiny over evolving mask rules. Listen to this audio report that contains interviews with three nursing students, a nurse and a representative of the Victorian Sikh Gurdwara Council who has been advocating for a more ‘unified’ approach across Australia.


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