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The Street
The Street
Daniel Kline

Carnival Cruise Line takes stand on Covid-era change

In July 2023, In-N-Out Burger made the controversial decision to ban its workers from wearing protective face masks.

"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 wellbeing of all individuals," the company shared in a message to employees. "We believe this policy will also help to promote clear and effective communication both with our Customers and among our Associates."

The restaurant chain does allow workers who get a doctor's note to wear a mask.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line shares serious balcony warning

Basically, this was the fast-food chain making a political statement that put its workers at risk. Fast food workers generally do not get paid time off or sick days.

That can force them to come into work when ill and wearing a mask would be the easiest way to keep customers safer. In addition, some people may wear masks when healthy to avoid being infected by customers.

In other cases, employees may live with people who are immune-system compromised and they're taking steps to protect them.

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald was recently asked about a worker wearing a mask.

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Image source: Shutterstock

Carnival shares its mask policy 

Even though they are no longer required in any situations, it's not uncommon to see people wearing masks on cruise ships. That's a sound medical practice according to MetroPlusHealth Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Julie Myers who answered questions from TheStreet back in 2023.

"Masks are effective at reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, including the flu. Restaurants have many of the conditions that make people susceptible to viruses -- close quarters, enclosed spaces, and high turnover of patrons. In the food service industry, sanitation and cleanliness are key components of safety, implemented to prevent the risk of food contamination," she wrote.

That has not stopped masks from being stigmatized as this recent email to Heald showed.

"I am on the---- where the coffee shop girl is wearing a face mask. She has all cruise. Are crew allowed to do this? Really they should not. If she is infected then should she really be working?" wrote the unnamed passengers.

Heald answered directly then followed with a joke.

"Thank you and yes, while the vast majority of our crew do not wear face masks the crew still have the option to wear them if they wish," he posted. 

He then tried to lighten the mood.

"She is not “infected.” She works as a barista so her mask is a ummmm, coughy filter," he added.

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Carnival passengers share their mask thoughts

Over 1,200 people commented on Heald's post and the vast majority had no issue with crew members wearing masks.

"When I get a pedicure the technician wears a mask. It is to protect HER from ME and I have no problem with it. I can’t understand someone being offended by a person safeguarding their health," shared Susanne Scudder Clemens.

Melissa Goad expressed outrage at the original poster.

"Where do you even purchase enough audacity to send a message like this? Was it on clearance? Temu? I cannot fathom ever thinking someone else’s choice to wear a mask is any of my business," she wrote.

Leesa Alexander also shared pro-mask comments.

"To be honest I would prefer people who are handling my food items to wear a mask. Sneezes and coughs happen for any reason at random times. I wish more people handling food would wear one. Also it’s non of your business why someone wears or doesn’t wear a mask. Lots of people wear a mask for many different reasons. I’m sure you don’t tell your medical professional to take theirs off," she posted.

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Barry Walker also took a very measured approach.

"Just because a crew member is wearing a mask does not mean they are sick. Some of them just feel more comfortable wearing a mask. There is absolutely no reason for you to get upset about it. Let them live their life and you live your life," he added.

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