Poway Costco Imposes Limits On Meat Purchases

POWAY, CA — If you typically stock your freezer with meat after each shopping trip to Costco in Poway or elsewhere in San Diego County, 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 locations in San Diego County:

• Carlsbad: 951 Palomar Airport Road
• Chula Vista: 895 E H St.
• Chula Vista: 1130 Broadway
• La Mesa: 8125 Fletcher Parkway
• Poway: 12155 Tech Center Drive
• San Diego: 650 Gateway Center Drive
• San Diego: 2345 Fenton Parkway
• San Diego: 4605 Morena Blvd.
• San Diego: 7803 Othello Ave.
• San Diego: 12350 Carmel Mountain Road
• San Marcos: 725 Center Drive
• Santee: 101 Town Center Parkway
• Vista: 1755 Hacienda Drive

Also see:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
• Coronavirus In San Diego County: Latest News
• Poway Costco Requires Shoppers To Cover Faces: Coronavirus
• County Coronavirus Cases Surpass 4,000; Retail Prepares To Open
• Beaches Stay Open; Golf Courses, Parks Can Reopen In San Diego County
• Some San Diego County Beaches Reopen After Coronavirus Closures
• San Diego County Makes Face Coverings Mandatory Amid Coronavirus
• San Diego Residents Urged To 'Stay The Course' Following Protests
• 7 More Deaths As Coronavirus Cases Surpass 2,000 In San Diego
• Coronavirus Cases Surpass 1,000 Milestone In San Diego County

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