Costco USA is planning to return to pre-coronavirus normal with one small change, Americans will have to wear a mask. Canadians can’t help but wonder if they will be in the same boat as their neighbours to the south. At the time of this publication, Costco Canada has not stated that they will be following suit.
Starting May 4, most USA Costco locations and gas stations will return to regular operating hours, which vary by location. But customers and employees alike will be required to wear face-coverings or masks.
The requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to people who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition, according to a Costco statement.
In addition, the company updated its special operating hours for members over the age of 60. Select Costco warehouses will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older, and people with disabilities starting Monday. Guests will not be admitted.
Costco USA is also temporarily allowing priority access to warehouses during all open hours for Costco members who are health care workers and first responders, such as police officers, EMTs and firefighters.
Changes Costco is implementing in the USA
- Face masks: All customers and employees are required to wear masks or other face coverings.
- Senior hours: Select Costco warehouses will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older.
- First responder hours: Member healthcare workers and first responders have priority access to the warehouse during all open hours.
- Product limitations: The company has implemented limits on individual items to help ensure more members can purchase merchandise they want and need
- Reusable shopping bags: Costco is allowing members to use their reusable shopping bags as long as they pack the bags themselves Unless prohibited by local mandates.
- Return restrictions: Warehouses are not accepting returns on toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice and disinfecting spray
- Limited service: There will be limited or no service at the Hearing Aid department, Costco Optical, the floral department and the jewelry department. Limitations vary by location.
- Food court: A limited menu is available at Costco food courts. Orders are only available for takeout, and seating is not available.
