What the Well-Dressed Quarantiner is Wearing

[Tobus]

Jock Scot, your point is well taken when it comes to true filtration masks in a medical setting, which would indeed require fitting and shaving. However, this sort of civilian mask is not in that category. It should be considered more of a "face diaper" than a medical mask. Its purpose is merely to catch large droplets and spittle (which everyone produces whether they realise it or not), both incoming and outgoing. It is not intended to offer 100% protection against airborne particles, especially the size of a virus particle.

For one thing, the material is not a tight enough weave. And even if one were in install a high-density filter material in the pocket, this type of mask does not have a formable nose piece to create a seal over the bridge of the nose. So even if one were to shave off one's beard, it would not eliminate the gaps and provide a tight seal.

So, yes, if one were wearing an N95 type mask and working in close proximity to people like medical personnel have to, then being clean-shaven would be important. For the average person going to the grocery store and maintaining social distancing as well as one can, whilst wearing this type of mask, shaving a beard just isn't going to dramatically improve the mask's efficiency. It's not intended for that level of protection.