Costco updates mask policy amid fears over second wave of coronavirus
Costco has opted to update its mask policy in a bid to better protect customers and staff in stores nationwide amid what could shape up to be the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
As of Monday, the grocery giant said it will require all members, guests and employees to wear a face mask or face shield with the exception of children under 2 years old, according to the rules update.
“Members and guests must wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times,” the new guidelines read. “Individuals who are unable to wear a face mask due to a medical condition must wear a face shield.”
It added: “Entry to Costco will be granted only to those wearing a face mask or face shield."
Costco, one of the first retailers in America to implement a mask policy, initially excluded those with medical conditions. That rule went into effect in May.
President and CEO Craig Jelinek confirmed the policy change in a letter to members earlier this week.
“If a member has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, they must wear a face shield at Costco,” he wrote
“This updated policy may seem inconvenient to some, however we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience,” Jelinek said. “Our goal is to continue to provide a safe shopping environment for our members and guests, and to provide a safe work environment for our employees.”
The letter also emphasized that face coverings should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing and noted that delivery options are still available on its website for “members who are unable to wear a mask or face covering.”
As coronavirus cases spike in most states nationwide, mask-wearing remains a somewhat partisan issue. Critics have said it is a violation of rights while supporters have declared it a necessity amid the health pandemic.
In recent weeks, the United States has seen its number of infected citizen quickly climb upward. The nation again shattered pandemic records, reporting more than 153,000 new coronavirus cases on Thursday.
It marked the seventh time in nine days that reported U.S. infections reached their peak.
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