Owings Mills Costco Shoppers Will Be Required To Wear Masks

OWINGS MILLS, MD — Costco shoppers will need to wear a mask or face covering to enter its U.S. warehouse locations, the company announced Wednesday. The new policy goes into effect Monday, May 4.

"Although some may disagree with this policy or question its effectiveness, we’re choosing to err on the side of safety in our shopping environments," Costco CEO/President Craig Jelinek said in a statement. "Costco has continued to operate during this crisis as an essential business in all of our communities, and our employees are on the front lines. As part of a community, we believe this simple act of safety and courtesy is one that Costco members and employees can undertake together."

The requirement doesn't apply to children under the age of two or anyone who's unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition.

"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 premises," Jelinek said.

Federal guidance calls for staying at least 6 feet apart from one another to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, which is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Since April 18, wearing a face covering has been required in Maryland for those in retail stores and on public transit.

"We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience," Jelinek said. "This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer, but others too."

Normal operating hours will start back for most locations on Monday. Senior hours for customers age 60 and up will continue Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 10 a.m. Frontline workers with identification will be allowed to go to the front of the line to enter the warehouse.

Costco is at 10270 Mill Run Circle in Owings Mills.

See Also:

• Costco Opens In Owings Mills
• MD Coronavirus: 4 Ways To Make Face Masks
• Face Masks Required Statewide Plus 4 Benchmarks To MD Reopening