In-N-Out Burger bans masks for employees at Texas locations, four other states

In-N-Out Burger, a popular fast food chain, is banning employees from wearing masks across five states, including Texas, facing disciplinary action up to termination for failure to comply.

Employees working at Texas, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Arizona locations are receiving new mask guidelines, which the company described in a memo as emphasizing "the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associate's smiles and other facial features while considering the health and well-being of all individuals."

The memo from an In-N-Out Burger Associate Notifications email list, which was posted to social media, said that effective Aug. 14, masks are not allowed to be worn in stores or support facilities unless the associate has a valid medical note exempting them from the requirement.

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The memo states that failure to comply with the mask guidelines can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, depending on factors of severity and frequency of the violation.

If an associate wears masks for medical reasons, it must be a company-provided N-95 mask unless a valid medical note exempts them from the requirement.

The memo reads, "Without disclosing the medical diagnosis or confidential medical information, the medical note should clearly state the reason for exemption and include the estimated duration, if applicable."

The memo also emphasizes that the new guideline is to "promote clear and effective communication both with our Customers and among our Associates."

Mask laws in Texas state that private businesses still have the right to require masks for customers and employees, but most state and government entities do not.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: In-N-Out Burger bans masks for employees inTexas, four other states