Poway Costco Requires Shoppers To Cover Faces: Coronavirus

POWAY, CA — If you're planning a trip to Costco in Poway next week, be prepared to mask up. The company said Wednesday that to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it will require shoppers to wear masks or face coverings that cover the mouth and nose.

Costco employees also must use masks or face coverings under the new requirements, which take effect Monday.

Costco said in a statement the new policy doesn't apply to children under the age of 2 or others who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition.

The company said, however, that the "use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing."

"Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco properties," the statement read.

These are 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

Costco has made numerous changes in its response to the virus, including limiting the number of people who can enter the store at a time, requiring social distancing in checkout lines, and establishing special shopping hours for senior citizens and others with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of contracting the virus.

To improve employee safety, plexiglass shields have been installed at checkout counters. Employees working through the crisis receive hazard pay, and employees at a high risk of a coronavirus illness receive paid time off. They also are given protective masks and are screened for symptoms.

"The issues presented by this crisis are new to all of us, and we at Costco don't pretend to have all the answers," the statement said. "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."