California-based fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger requires employees to wear masks for medical reasons in five of the seven states it operates in, unless they receive a medical certificate from a doctor. prohibited.
The new policy will take effect Aug. 14 in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah, according to people familiar with the matter. company memo or leaked to the public July 14th, by Dr. Lucky Tran.
The chain also requires employees who choose to wear masks in two other states, Oregon and California, to wear only company-approved N95 masks.
“We are introducing new mask guidelines that emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability of our employees to display a smile or other facial features while considering the health and well-being of all individuals,” the note said. , followed by the addition, “Don’t wear a mask.” Unless the employee has a valid medical record that exempts them from this requirement, they must wear them inside support facility premises. ”
The new guidance caused a stir on social media.
Someone said, “Hmm, this is terrible.” tweeted disagree. “Let people wear masks to protect themselves!”
“Wow. I won’t be eating there for a while,” said another. tweeted. some more they said they would boycott in and out over the decision.
“Great! We won a double-double to commemorate!” tweeted I support the new policy.
“Wow, are you still worried about the new coronavirus?” another Twitter user Asked.
The leaked memo says the policy “will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with evolving health guidance.” Policy revisions will be communicated to all parties on a timeline. ”
“Failure to comply with this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation,” it said.
In and Out did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Dr. Judy Stone, an infectious disease doctor and medical writer, writes: forbes article In an announcement on July 17, he said the policy could violate employee health privacy.
“Without disclosing a medical diagnosis, In-N-Out’s new policy requires that ‘medical records must clearly state the reason for the exemption and the estimated duration.’ ‘How can we do this without violating the privacy of our employees?’ she asked.
Stone also criticized the rationale for the policy.
“It may be ‘unparalleled’ to endanger the health of employees in this way, but it is not the way company officials believe,” she wrote. “If all you care about is seeing your employees smile, there’s a mask with a clear window over the mouth.”
The doctor also objected that some exemptions require a doctor’s certificate.
“Having a doctor’s note is a cost in terms of time and money,” she explained. “Many people do not have a primary care doctor or a doctor readily available. It could be considered a violation of the law.”
In and Out’s new mask guidelines are just the latest example of the chain’s controversial stance on the pandemic. In October 2021, local authorities The chain’s only San Francisco store has been ordered to close. About not complying with the requirement that all restaurants check vaccination cards for indoor diners. The chain has since closed all five stores in neighboring Contra Costa County to avoid having to comply with public health mandates.
“We refuse to be the vaccination police of any government,” said In-N-Out chief legal and business officer Ernie Wensinger. said in a statement at the time.
“It is unreasonable to force our restaurant employees to divide customers into those who are good to serve and those who are not, whether based on documents in their possession or for any other reason. , is invasive and dangerous.”
This article was originally published Today.com
