Costco, CDC in sync

By Rebecca Aguilar

If you plan to go shopping at Costco, you will have to wear a face covering. Costco is implementing this guideline starting May 4 to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Costco‘s CEO Craig Jelinek posted his statement on the company’s website. “To help protect our employees and members,” Jelinek is quoted as saying, “all Costco members and guests must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while at Costco.”

Linda Guerra shops at different Costco warehouses in the Dallas area. She believes Costco made the right decision, especially for someone like herself, who has an underlying health condition of diabetes. “Everyone is scared of the virus,” Guerra said. “No one knows who has it. I feel it‘s a good measure by Costco to try to protect their customers while they offer the services we all need.”

As per the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines, the company is not requiring children under age 2 to wear face covering. Anyone with a medical condition who is unable to wear a face-covering will also not have to follow this guideline.

Costco’s CEO addressed those who may not be in favor of wearing a mask in his statement. “We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances, we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience.”

Customers took to Costco’s Facebook page to express their feelings about the temporary guideline. One woman posted: “Thank you, Costco! I’m an RN, and I support these measures 100 percent to keep my family and the community safe.

Another frequent shopper said, “Thank you, Costco, for caring about the health of your employees and shoppers.

With more than 24,000 comments on Facebook as of Thursday, many expressed frustrations with Costco’s move. One disgruntled customer posted, “Extremely disappointed. We will be reconsidering our membership.” Another customer said, “Won’t be doing business at Costco until we are not required to wear masks.”

Costco is following the CDC’s recommendations to lessen the risk of the spread of COVID19. CDC recommends that everyone should wear a face mask when they go out in public. CDC said, “You could spread COVID19 to others even if you do not feel sick.”

Costco posted on its Facebook that those who come to the store without a face covering will be offered a mask. “In order to best serve our community and allow our members time to adjust to this policy, Costco will be providing face masks during the first week upon request.” But the warehouse will eventually require members to bring their own mask or face cover.

The warehouse is also implementing special operating hours for members ages 60 and older and people with disabilities. Those customers will be able to shop from 9 to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday.