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Costco mandating masks for all customers, employees in U.S.

Costco is requiring all customers to wear masks at its locations in the United States starting on May 4.

The face covering must cover the mouth and nose, at all times, while in the store, according to a note posted by Craig Jelinek, the president and CEO of Costco Wholesale in the U.S.

As of Thursday afternoon, no similar announcement had been posted on Costco’s Canadian website.

Exceptions

The requirement to wear a mask does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a face covering because of a medical condition, he said.

Employees are already required to wear face coverings, said Jelinek.

“We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience,” he said. “This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer, but others too.”

Social distancing also required

The mandatory use of masks is not a replacement for physical distancing, he said.

“The use of a face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing,” said Jelinek. “Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while at Costco.”