As part of new business procedures that "emphasize the importance of customer service," In-N-Out has announced that workers in five US states would no longer be permitted to wear masks while on the clock.
New Mask Guidelines for Staff
Beginning on August 14, staff who want to wear masks due to Covid-19 must provide a "valid medical note exempting him or her from this requirement," according to an internal email. The company has around 100 restaurants throughout the states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah, all of which are covered by the policy.
Meanwhile, in the states of California and Oregon, where it also has outlets, the corporation mandates that all staff wear an N95 respirator mask at all times. Nearly three-quarters (300) of the chain's 391 establishments are found in the Golden State.
"We are introducing new mask guidelines that 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," reads the internal memo. Lab technicians and those working in the "patty room" are excused from this rule.
Workers at In-N-Out were informed that their medical notes must include the nature of the condition and the expected length of exemption. If allowed, they will need to use the N95 mask the employer supplies.
"Our goal is to continue to provide safe and customer-centric store and support environments that balance two things that In-N-Out is known for - exceptional customer service and unmatched standards for health, safety, and quality," the company stated.
The memo claimed that the new procedures were in conformity with evolving health regulations, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises that workers still wear masks.
In-N-Out During Covid Era
According to CNN, the adjustments in the fast food chain follow President Joe Biden's termination of the Covid national emergency, which allowed the government to provide many Americans with free testing, treatments, and vaccinations.
Despite the elimination of statewide mask regulations, health professionals advise that those who are particularly susceptible to illness should consider continuing to wear masks in busy indoor venues like restaurants.
For In-N-Out, breaking Covid regulations is nothing new. In 2021, the company briefly shut down operations in Contra Costa County (near San Francisco) because it refused to check clients' vaccination status, which was mandated at the time in order to eat inside.
The fast food chain In-N-Out Burger issued a statement at the time saying: "We refuse to become the vaccination police for any government. It is unreasonable, invasive, and unsafe to force our restaurant associates to segregate customers into those who may be served and those who may not."
