More Costco Store Changes: Customers Required To Wear Face Masks, Store Hours Extended

Costco (COST) has made more changes to its shopping policies, requiring customers to wear masks and extending its operating hours during the coronavirus pandemic.

The company said that beginning on May 4, customers and employees will be required to wear a face mask or covering when shopping at its stores. The requirement does not apply to children under the age of two or those that are unable to wear a mask due to a medication condition.

Costco also announced that most of its stores will be open regular operating hours in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, starting on May 4. The regular business hours have also been extended to its Business Centers and all Costco gas stations.

Dedicated senior shopping hours at select Costco stores have also been slated for 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday, for those over the age of 60 or with a disability, starting on May 4. The pharmacy will be open during this time, but the food court will be closed.

Costco will continue to give priority access to healthcare workers and first responders, including police officers, EMTs, and firefighters. These frontline workers will be moved to the front of the line when shopping at a Costco store.

The wholesale retailer is also only allowing no more than two people per membership at its U.S. stores and only one person per membership at its El Paso, Texas; Kentucky; and Puerto Rico stores.

Costco is also allowing reusable bags if customers pack them themselves unless it is prohibited by a local mandate. Some product limitations are being enforced, and the company is not accepting returns on toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice, and disinfectant spray.

In the states of Michigan, Texas, and Vermont, as well as Puerto Rico, the purchase of non-essential items will no longer be allowed. These non-essential items can be purchased on the Costco website for home delivery.

Costco is also only offering its food court menu for carryout orders and asks customers to maintain six feet of space between each person when shopping in its stores.

Shares of Costco stock were up 0.13% as of 12:01 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.