"The Urgency of Normalizing Behavior Despite Continuing COVID Illness & Death"

Have you heard about In-N-Out Burger's new mask policy in several states? Per this excellent Forbes column written by Judy Stone, an infectious disease specialist,  "In-N-Out Burger has a new store policy prohibiting employees from wearing masks unless they have an approved doctor’s note.

"The policy, confirmed in a call this morning, was introduced to 'emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates' smiles and other facial features.'  It continues by stating that this will help 'balance two things that In-N-Out is known for – exceptional customer service and unmatched standards for health, safety, and quality.'

"Those employees who refuse will be disciplined 'up to and including termination of employment.'”

So, protecting yourself from COVID is reason for termination because it's more important that people can see you smile. Brilliant!

Dr Stone continues:

"It is not just In-N-Out pushing the urgency of normalizing behavior, despite ongoing Covid illnesses and deaths throughout the country. I’ve had repeated complaints from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) staff over the years that they are not allowed to wear N95 masks or, early on, to double mask. They are only allowed to wear flimsy surgical masks with ear loops provided to them. Similarly, patients have to request that staff caring for them mask. I asked the administration, 'What if they are old, or confused, or just plain scared of authority? How will they know that they can ask without jeopardizing their care?' The only response was that patients should check signage.

"And it’s not just Covid-19 that people might want to protect themselves from. In recent weeks, large swaths of the country have been under air-quality alerts from the large wildfires in Canada.

"There seems to be no good argument for In-N-Out Burger to force employees to take obvious health risks. This case will likely go to litigation. Will the courts favor business interests or the well-being and safety of employees?"

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It amazes me to go to a doctors' office specializing in autoimmune diseases and seeing everyone unmasked, even the elderly and frail. In every medical waiting room you find patients coughing into the air, totally unconcerned. I thought medical offices were places where patients could expect to be protected, but evidently that's no longer a priority. 

These people who think COVID is over had better be prepared for the next surge.