Costco is planning to return to something more like a pre-coronavirus normal with one small change: You’ll have to wear a mask.  

Starting May 4, most Costco locations and gas stations will return to regular operating hours, which vary by location. But customers and employees alike will be required to wear face-coverings or masks.

The requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to people who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition, according to a Costco statement.

In addition, the company updated its special operating hours for members over the age of 60. Select Costco warehouses will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older, and people with disabilities starting Monday. Guests will not be admitted.

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“The use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing,” the statement reads. “Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises.”

U.S. Costco warehouses are also implementing a two-person limit per membership card to enter the facilities. The El Paso, Texas, and Puerto Rico warehouses are excluded from this policy.

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Reactions to concerning the wholesale giant’s new face policy are already sparking outrage on social media.

“Won’t be renewing my membership!,” reads a post made on Twitter. “I will not comply with your mask rule!,” reads another tweet.

Costco is also temporarily allowing priority access to warehouses during all open hours for Costco members who are health care workers and first responders, such as police officers, EMTs and firefighters.

Changes Costco is implementing nationwide

• Face masks: All customers and employees are required to wear masks or other face coverings.
• Senior hours: Select Costco warehouses will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older.
• First responder hours: Member healthcare workers and first responders have priority access to the warehouse during all open hours.
• Product limitations: The company has implemented limits on certain items to help ensure more members are able to purchase merchandise they want and need
• Reusable shopping bags: Costco is allowing members to use their own reusable shopping bags as long as they pack the bags themselves, Unless prohibited by local mandates.
• Return restrictions: Warehouses are not accepting returns on toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice and disinfecting spray
• Limited service: There will be limited or no service at the Hearing Aid department, Costco Optical, the floral department and the jewelry department. Limitations vary by location.
• Food court: A limited menu is available at Costco food Courts. Orders are only available for takeout and seating is not available.

Follow Coral Murphy on Twitter @CoralMerfi

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