Costco to limit how many people per membership can enter clubs due to COVID-19 starting Friday

Costco will limit how many people can enter its warehouse clubs as part of its response to the coronavirus.

Starting Friday, April 3, the retail giant will allow no more than two people to enter stores with each membership card.

"This temporary change is for your safety and the safety of our employees and other members, and to further assist with our social distancing efforts," Costco posted on its website Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Costco cut its weekday hours because of the pandemic. Stores now close at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and gas stations at U.S. locations will be open at 7:30 a.m. daily and close at 7 p.m. weekdays and at 6:30 p.m. weekends.

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Costco also is now offering three senior shopping hours a week and is allowing “those with physical impairments” to also participate.

The senior hours originally started March 24 as a twice-weekly event for members 60 and up on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but Costco added Wednesdays as the third day effective April 1.

Costco also has placed limits on in-demand items and is temporarily limiting returns of several items including toilet paper, paper towel, hand sanitizer, bottled water and rice.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus Costco limits: Clubs to limit how many people can shop