Costco Store Changes: Some Restrictions Lifted, More Customers Per Membership, Food Court Reopened, And More

More changes have been made at Costco (COST) as the wholesale retailer looks to keep its employees and customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Costco has lifted the capacity limits in its stores and is now allowing more customers per membership inside its stores. Previously the company only allowed two customers per membership card at any one time. Costco is still limiting entry to only one person per membership card at stores in Kentucky and Puerto Rico.

Costco has also reopened its food court at stores and is offering takeout food items without any seating for dining. Some menu items have been limited, and condiments are only available upon request.

The company has changed its hours to its normal operating schedule at most U.S. Costco locations and gas stations. Stores in Puerto Rico are only open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sundays through May 24. North Carolina and South Carolina Costco gas stations are open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays through May 24.

Costco is still providing dedicated senior hours from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday at most stores for individuals 60 and older and for people with disabilities. Guests of these shoppers will not be admitted, the company said. The pharmacy will be open during these hours, but the food court will be closed.

Stores will also offer priority access for healthcare workers and first responders with an employment ID and Costco membership card. These shoppers will be able to move to the front of the line for entry into the warehouse stores except at Massachusetts stores, which prohibit healthcare workers and first responders from shopping during the dedicated senior shopping hours.

All Costco stores still require customers to wear face masks over their nose and mouth at all times. Children under the age of 2 or those individuals with medical conditions that are unable to wear a face covering are exempt from the requirement. Employees are also required to wear face masks.

Stores are also practicing social distancing and limiting the purchase of beef, pork, and poultry products to three per member. Reusable shopping bags are allowed unless a local mandate prohibits their use. Bags must be packed by customers and not by Costco employees.

Costco is also not accepting returns of toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice, and disinfecting spray. Other limitations may apply at locations in specific states, territories, or cities, especially in Michigan, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Vermont that have restricted the sale of nonessential items.

Shares of Costco stock were up 0.47% as of 10:47 a.m. EDT on Monday.