Costco to require all shoppers to wear face masks

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Costco will soon begin requiring all shoppers to wear a face mask inside their warehouses, the company announced this week.

The policy, which goes into effect on May 4, will mandate that all guests "must wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while at Costco," according to a post updated Wednesday morning on the company's web page. Exceptions will be made to those under 2 and who are unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition.

On Tuesday, the company said that some stores would require the mask in areas were face masks were required but updated the policy on their site Wednesday to make it effective at all stores.

"The use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing," Costco wrote on their web page. "Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises"

Another change coming Monday is the return to normal store hours, the company announced. Stores had been closing at 6:30 p.m. during the coronavirus outbreak.

The company is still restricting access to two people per membership card.