In-N-Out Announces a Face Mask Ban for Employees

In-N-Out is enacting a major change in its establishments that experts state will endanger employees.

The fast food chain is now banning face masks for employees in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah, with Dr. Lucky Tran, a scientist and writer, sharing the company memo announcing the divisive policy.

The new guidelines state: "No masks shall be worn in the Store or Support facility unless an Associate has a valid medical note exempting him or her from this requirement."

In-N-Out said that the new rule is being enacted to "emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates' smiles and other facial features while considering the health and well-being of all individuals.

Employees in these five states need a medical note stating why they must wear a mask and an expected duration of time in order for the employee to do so.

If an employee refuses to follow the new rule, they will be disciplined "up to and including termination of employment.” The policy is set to begin on Aug. 14.

For the other two states where there are In-N-Out locations, California and Oregon, the company cannot ban masks, so employees there still have the choice to wear face masks if they want to, though In-N-Out requires a medical note to wear anything other than the company provided N-95 masks, as noted in the guidelines sent to California and Oregon employees.

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Infectious Disease specialist and writer Dr. Judy Stone stated that the ban violates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID recommendations and endangers the employees.

She criticized the ban in a new article for Forbes, questioning how asking for a medical note is possible "without violating the employee’s privacy."

"Requiring a doctor’s note is also a burden in terms of time and money. Many people don’t have a primary care physician or one who is readily available," Stone went on. "And requiring proof of a disability might be considered a violation of the Americans with Disability Act, depending on how one interprets masking as a request for accommodation."

Stone also shared the company's number if anyone wants to contact In-N-Out about the policy, along with its complaint form.

Many people were equally appalled, with one comment on Tran's post reading, "How can an Employer legally BAN their employees from wearing an N95 Mask at work for their personal safety? That’s like a construction company banning hard hats, high vis or welding shields on building sites. It’s gotta be illegal! And is obviously immoral."

"This is crazy. Sent them comments. So many people live with or care for high-risk family members. They wouldn’t be able to get a dr note. Shouldn’t have to choose between your job and safety of themselves or family," said another.

In-N-Out has not publicly responded to the backlash about the face mask ban, as of writing.

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