Coronavirus Update: San Francisco Bay Area Costco Shoppers Now Required To Wear Masks; Limits To Meat Purchases
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- While San Francisco Bay Area residents have been required to wear face coverings in stores for more than a week, Costco has announced it would be strictly enforcing the requirement at all its stores beginning on Tuesday.
As of May 5th, the company issued a statement saying: "All Costco members and guests must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose, at all times while at Costco."
The only exception will be children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition.
"We believe this is the right thing to do under the current circumstances," said Craig Jelinek, President and CEO, Costco Wholesale, in a prepared statement. "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 has continued to operate during this crisis as an essential business in all of our communities, and our employees are on the front lines."
The food wholesaler was also putting into place some other new restrictions. They include:
- Employees will allow no more than two people to enter the warehouse with each membership card.
- Most U.S. Costco locations and Costco gas stations will be returning to regular operating hours
- Costco warehouses will open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older, and people with disabilities. Only members who meet this criteria will be able to shop during these hours.
- Fresh meat purchases are temporarily limited to a total of 3 items per member among the beef, pork and poultry products.
- Unless prohibited by local mandates, Costco is allowing members to use their own reusable shopping bags as long as they pack the bags themselves