Costco Enforces Face-Covering Policy for Members and Guests

Story and Photo by Rebecca Aguilar
Senior Correspondent

If you plan to go shopping at Costco, customers will have to wear a face covering. According to company execs, Costco is implementing this guideline to help stop the spread of coronavirus. 

Costco’s CEO, Craig Jelinek, posted his statement on the company’s website, “To help protect our employees and members, effective May 4, 2020, all Costco members and guests must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose, at all times while at Costco.” 

Linda Guerra shops at different Costco warehouses in the Dallas area. She believes Costco made the right decision, especially for someone like herself, who has an underlying health condition of diabetes. “Everyone is scared of the virus,” she said. “No one knows who has it. I feel it’s a good measure by Costco to try to protect their customers while they offer the services we all need.”

The company is not requiring children under age 2 to wear face covering. Anyone with a medical condition that is unable to wear a face covering will also not have to follow this guideline. 

Costco’s CEO addressed those who may not be in favor of wearing a mask in his statement. “We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances, we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience. “

Customers took to Costco’s Facebook page to express their feelings over the temporary guideline. One woman posted, “Thank you, Costco! I’m an RN, and I support these measures 100% to keep my family and the community safe.”

Another person said, “Thank you, Costco, for caring about the health of your employees and shoppers.” 

But among the 24,000 comments on Facebook on Thursday, many are against Costco’s move. One customer posted, “Extremely disappointed. We will be reconsidering our membership.” 

Costco is following the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations to lessen the risk of the spread of COVID-19. CDC recommends that everyone should wear a face mask when they go out in public. CDC said, “You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.”

Still, yet another customer said, “Won’t be doing business at Costco until we are not required to wear masks.” 

Costco posted on Facebook that those who come to the store without a face covering will be offered a mask, “In order to best serve our community and allow our members time to adjust to this policy, Costco will be providing face masks during the first week upon request.” 

But the warehouse will eventually require members to bring their own mask or face cover. 

The warehouse is also implementing special operating hours for members ages 60 and older and people with disabilities. Those customers will be able to shop from 9 to 10 am, Monday through Friday.