Retail giant Costco has recently announced that it will begin requiring all customers and employees to wear face masks upon entering the store amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, CNN reported.
Starting next week, all shoppers and Costco employees will be required to wear a mask or some other form of facial covering “at all times” inside warehouse locations throughout the country.
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The company announced their new policy change in a press release on Wednesday.
“To protect our members and employees, effective May 4, all Costco members and guests must wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while at Costco,” the press release reads.
It goes on to explain that certain exemptions will apply, including children under the age of two and people who are unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition.
However, Costco wants to make it clear that this new policy will not serve as a “substitution for social distancing.”
As the company states in the release, “Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises.”
Other changes made to Costco shopping hours were announced as well.
Store hours will be returning to normal, with certain locations reserving the hours of 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for people over the age of 60 to shop. Additionally, healthcare workers and first responders will be given priority during open hours and will be allowed to move to the front of store lines.
Costco members should also note that the company will now only allow two people per membership card inside locations at a time.
As of right now, the mandatory face masks appear to be exclusive to American Costco locations.
The Costco Canada website has yet to post anything indicating it will be implementing these same changes. However, it has announced that it will also be offering senior-only shopping hours from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. starting on May 4.
