Novato Costco Imposes Limits On Meat Purchases

NOVATO, CA — If you typically stock your freezer with meat after each shopping trip to Costco in Novato or elsewhere in the Bay Area, your next visit is going to be dramatically different.

The retailer posted on its website that fresh meat purchases are now limited to no more than three items per shopper. That includes beef, pork and poultry products.

"Costco has implemented limits on certain items to help ensure more members are able to purchase merchandise they want and need," the statement said. "Our buyers and suppliers are working hard to provide essential, high demand merchandise as well as everyday favorites."

According to reports, more than 20 U.S. meatpacking plants have closed at some point during the last two months, sharply reducing pork and beef production. Outbreaks of the coronavirus among plant workers forced the closures.

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Last week, President Donald Trump ordered meat packing plants to remain open.

In addition to limiting meat purchases, Costco is implementing other measures because of the coronavirus including:

• No more than two people are allowed to enter Costco with each membership card.
• All Costco customers must wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times. This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition.
• Costco will not accept returns on toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice and disinfecting spray.
• There is limited or no service at hearing aid, optical, floral and jewelry departments because of social distancing.
• Seating has been removed from food courts. Food is for takeout only.

Costco's store in Novato is located at 300 Vintage Way.

Also see:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
• Coronavirus In Marin County: Latest News
• Novato Costco Requires Shoppers To Cover Faces: Coronavirus
• 13th Coronavirus Death, Shelter-In-Place Order Extended In Marin
• Marin County Cancels Classes For Rest Of School Year
• Marin County Makes Face Coverings Mandatory
• Marin County Sees Signs Of Flattening The Curve
• Marin County Prepares For Surge In Coronavirus Patients

Patch editors Bea Karnes and Kristina Houck contributed to this report.