Costco Makes Masks Mandatory For OC Shoppers Amid Coronavirus

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — Costco members will need to wear face masks if they want to purchase inside the large warehouse store starting next week, the retail giant reported on Wednesday.
The policy goes into effect Monday, May 4.

All Costco members and guests who enter the store at any Costco location in the United States will be required to wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while in Costco, a spokesperson for the warehouse reported over the company's website.

Though Orange County Board of Supervisors has called for masks only to be worn by essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic, the Costco store policy supersedes the edict of any individual city. OC Health Care recommends for all to wear a face-covering while engaged in "essential activities," according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Face masks can be any material that covers the nose and mouth and is wrapped around the lower face or secured with ties or straps, according to Dr. Nichole Quick of the OC Health Care Agency.

"Residents can make their own face coverings at home from a variety of materials and should refrain from purchasing personal protective equipment that is critical and in short supply for our healthcare workers," Quick said.

The use of masks, once inside Costco, is essential to enter the store and shop until further notice.

"As the crisis has developed, we've been proud that Costco has remained an essential business, supplying food, medicine, cleaning supplies, and other essential items to all of the communities where we do business," CEO and President Craig Jelinek said in a statement. "The issues presented by this crisis are new to all of us, and we at Costco don't pretend to have all the answers. We are not perfect. But every step of the way, we've done our best to take care of our employees, take care of our members, and support our communities. And we will continue to do so."

Children under 2-years-old do not need a face mask, according to Costco. Also, if you are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition, a mask would not be required, they said.

The use of a mask or face covering is not a substitute for social distancing, according to the Costco website. Everyone inside the warehouse store is expected to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises. All members should allow at least 6 feet of space per person, they said.

May 4 also marks the day that Costco returns to typical store hours, they said. Special hours for members aged 60 and older will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. That time slot also includes people with disabilities.

The pharmacy will be open starting at 9 a.m., they said.

Costco has allowed temporary priority access during all open hours to members who are healthcare workers, first responders in the police force, EMTs or firefighters, they say. Those individuals will be allowed to move to the front of any line to enter the warehouse.

Other rules for shopping at Costco include:

• Guest Shopping Policy - no more than two people may enter the store per membership card.
• Product Limitations - there are limits on certain items inside the store to ensure more members can purchase merchandise they want and need.
• Reusable shopping bags are allowed if you pack your groceries yourself.

There are no returns on:

• Toilet paper
• Bottled water
• Sanitizing wipes
• Paper towels
• Rice
• Disinfecting spray

For themost recent updates on coronavirus practices at Costco, visit the corporate website.