The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to our daily lives, affecting how we work, socialize, and interact with one another. Among the many strategies employed to combat the virus, mask mandates emerged as an evidence-based weapon in the battle against transmission. As the frontline defenders of their communities, several businesses implemented policies to ensure that masks were worn to protect customers and employees from illness.
The political and societal response to mask-wearing has undoubtedly shifted in recent months. Debates surrounding mandatory policies have been a contentious and complex issue since the early days of the outbreak.
Advocates for mask-wearing argue that the devices are an effective tool to control the spread of COVID-19. They believe that by wearing masks, especially in indoor and crowded settings, individuals can reduce the release and inhalation of respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. This, in turn, can help slow down the transmission, thereby protecting both the wearer and those around them.
Others view the mandates as infringements upon their personal freedoms and autonomy. They give credence to the notion that people should have the right to make decisions without government oversight and regulation. Critics of mask-wearing assert that they might not be as effective as claimed, particularly when considering the various types of masks and improper usage.
In an article published by Forbes on July 17, 2023, senior contributor Judy Stone confirmed a bizarre twist in the ongoing mask controversy. According to Stone, as of August 14, 2023, "In & Out Burger has a new store policy prohibiting employees from wearing masks unless they have an approved doctor's note."
Days before the Forbes report, Twitter user Doctor Lucky Tran uploaded the now-viral photo of an alleged In & Out Burger memo addressed to regional associates in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. The document reads, "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." Tran also provided followers with a mail chimp hyperlink for document access.
The initial reaction to the post was one of public astonishment. But, an epic plot twist, it was not. On October 14, 2021, the Health Department temporarily closed San Francisco's sole In & Out Burger restaurant for violating the city's indoor vaccine mandate. This, according to a report published on Datebook by journalist Tony Bravo a week after the shutdown. The news was also corroborated by the San Francisco Chronicle. Bravo revealed that the company's non-compliance resulted from "not checking customers for proof of vaccination."
Per the impending In & Out Burger mask guideline, the organization seeks to enhance customer experiences by showcasing the smiling faces of associates, among other measures. The form implies that masks hinder communication, and non-verbal cues between diners and staff members, jeopardizing the company's founding principle to provide a positive experience for every guest. This philosophy has contributed to their enduring success and cult-like following over the years, making it a beloved icon of American fast-food culture.
On March 23, 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration noted, "Face masks and barrier face coverings should generally be used for source control, meaning they may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others."
Detractors of the new In & Out Burger policy highlight that COVID-19 may be spread by individuals who may or may not display physical symptoms. They wholeheartedly believe that behind workers' smiling, unmasked faces lies the potential for a lifetime of physiological challenges or death. So, why not play it safe for everyone?
Another bone being picked is the health and economic juxtaposition that In & Out Burger employees must now endure. For instance, Indeed reports that the average hourly pay for workers ranges from $13.19 for floor staff to $34.01 per hour for Maintenance Technicians. In the US, patients can expect to spend between $85 to $300 for a visit to their primary care provider. Basic math indicates that an $85 medical bill is 4% of a hostess's monthly salary. Ignoring that some staff members may feel like pawns caught in a tone-death political game would be indecent.
Beyond their mouthwatering burgers and old-school charm, In & Out Burger has routinely made headlines for its intriguing connection to conservative values. The non-profit organization, Open Secrets, claims that the Congressional Leadership Fund received $750,000 from the company's political action committee, or PAC, in 2022. The restaurant's unapologetic stance has sparked debates that may strike a chord with some customers and a nerve with others.
A sole agreed-upon consensus is that In & Out Burger may have revolutionized - or weaponized, depending on your view - an effective military strategy that dates back to ancient civilizations. It's called the deterrence theory. From Beccaria's work "On Crimes and Punishments" to nuclear deterrence during the Cold War, the theory has found its way into corporate America.
The basic premise is that people are rational decision-makers who will weigh the potential costs and benefits of their actions. By making certain activities more inconvenient or costly, the theory aims to reduce the occurrence of those behaviors. In some cases, inconveniencing people may successfully discourage certain behaviors.
In recent years, we've witnessed a trend where policies, once established to promote social progress or address critical issues, have been subjected to rapid reversals. The phenomenon extends across various domains, from environmental regulations to social equality measures. We've also endured legislation that has been thoughtfully reversed for the greater good. The revisions signify the importance of adaptive governance, where decision-makers evolve with the public need.
Is the new In & Out Burger mask policy a beacon of cultural change or a political blueprint that compromises public health and safety? Are you ready for the unmasking revolution or terrified by the thought of it all? Will you continue to frequent your local In & Out Burger, or has the relationship cooled off?
We would like to hear your opinion about In & Out Burger's new mask policy. Does the unveiling feel long overdue or a strategic political move?
In & Out Burger's mask policy is...
A. A slap in the face.
B. A step in the right direction.
C. Not in my wheelhouse, honestly.
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