This is a bit of a novelty in the post-Covid era. The American fast food chain In-N-Out prohibits the use of masks by its employees, reveals the Los Angeles Times. This ban will apply in five of the seven states where the group is present.
To justify itself, the chain explains that it is about “helping to promote clear and effective communication” between employees and customers.
“We are introducing new mask guidelines that emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to display smiles and other facial features while considering the health and well-being of all individuals,” the memo reads. .
According to the memo, this ban will be effective as of August 14, except for employees with a prescription. In this case, they must wear an N-95 mask provided by the company, a choice that the chain did not explain.
A chain already criticized for its management of the covid
Failure to comply with this decision may lead to disciplinary action, the company adds.
According to Judy Stone, an expert in infectious diseases and a writer quoted by the American newspaper, this decision “endangers” employees and violates the recommendations of the US authorities on the management of Covid.
On social networks, some customers believe, on the contrary, that customer service would improve and that the decision was legitimate, given that according to them the pandemic is over.
It is not the first time that this chain has been criticized for its approach to Covid. In October 2021, the San Francisco restaurant was forced to temporarily close after failing to comply with local regulations that required customers inside to show proof of vaccinations.
Just two weeks later, an In-N-Out in Pleasant Hill, California was also closed for similar reasons.
In-N-Out’s legal and business director, Arnie Wensinger, defended the channel’s position: “We refuse to become the vaccine police of any government,” he said.
Source: BFM TV
