Costco Canada Face Covering (Mask) Update and Additional Senior Shopping Days
Hi Everyone!
FACEMASK UPDATE:
I have been inundated with questions about an update that USA Costco Warehouses has made regarding the compulsory wearing of Face Coverings for Costco members and their Guests. On the US Costco site it now states this:
As of this writing, Costco Canada has not made an announcement requiring face-coverings in its warehouses.
I do think that face covering will be compulsory for Costco Warehouses in the future, but Costco Canada will most likely base their decision off provincial health guidelines. Face coverings have been proven to slow the spread of the virus and this policy helps to keep both shoppers and employees safe. Don’t have a proper face mask and don’t know where to get one? You can even use a scarf. Costco has previously posted its Canadian policy on face coverings on its site, but it was removed a couple of days ago. Here is it said:
The CEO of Costco did provide their reasoning for their new Face Covering policy here:
Dear Costco Member,
To help protect our employees and members, effective May 4, 2020, all Costco members and guests must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose, at all times while at Costco. This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition.
Costco employees are required to wear face coverings, and now we are asking that Costco members do so too. We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience. This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer, but others too.
In short, we believe this is the right thing to do under the current circumstances. Although some may disagree with this policy or question its effectiveness, we’re choosing to err on the side of safety in our shopping environments. Costco has continued to operate during this crisis as an essential business in all of our communities, and our employees are on the front lines. As part of a community, we believe this simple act of safety and courtesy is one that Costco members and employees can undertake together.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. CDC advises that face coverings can help slow the spread of the virus, including among those who are not aware they carry it. However, the use of a face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing. Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while at Costco.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Thank you,
Craig Jelinek
President and CEO, Costco Wholesale
https://www.costco.com/coronavirus.hymn
SPECIAL OPERATING HOURS FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY:
I just wanted to update everyone with the latest Special Operating hours for people over the age of 60 or people with physical disabilities. As of May 4, 2020, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Costco will temporarily implement special operating hours for members who are 60 and older or who have a physical disability. The pharmacy will also be open during this hour; however the food court will maintain its normal operating schedule.
*Locations in Courtenay and Nanaimo, British Columbia will open from 9.a.m. to 10 a.m.
From my understanding that the morning time slot has been assigned to allow for high risk people to shop in a newly cleaned store. This update will give seniors and other high risk people two more days to get into the store when it is nice and clean!
To read all the new changes please go visit the: Costco Special Hours and Coronavirus Update
https://www.costco.ca/coronavirus-response.html
Costco Flyer & Costco Sale Items for Apr 27 – May 3, 2020, for BC, AB, SK, MB
Stay safe and remember to wash your hands with soap and water often!
A quick reminder that if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should be self-isolating for 14 days. Each province has their own Health recommendations based on the provinces individual risk assessment and I would recommend that you follow the recommendations for your specific province. Information can be found at the following websites.
Saskatchewan COVID-19 Information
If you are out in public, please practice social distancing which means:
- Limit activities outside your home
- Use virtual options to connect with others
- If you are out in public, try to keep 2 metres between yourself and others.
- Keep your hands at your side when possible
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cough into your elbow or sleeve
- Avoid social activities in large gatherings.
Stay safe and remember to wash your hands with soap and water often!
New Costco Shopping Updates: Senior Hours, In-store Shopper Limits, Product Limits & Return Restrictions!
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Could news outlets please stop with the “seniors hour” of shopping headlines.
Your proper term is ‘dedicated shopping for people at risk from infection’.
The virus hits everyone differently, and age is not always a factor. Pre-existing conditions is definitely a factor, and every age group can have that.
Hi Bob, I understand what you are saying; however, I am limited by the number of characters in the title of each post. This is a restriction that is embedded in my settings and I cannot change. I tried using the “proper” Costco term – Special operating hours for members who are 60 and older or who have a physical disability, but the half of it (the important part) got cut off. I ended up copying the title because it is a habit for me to do that. But good suggestion, I’ll try to change this in the text once I get the blog working again for Android users.
There is no current requirement for a face covering or mask at Costco Canada warehouses.
Is it possible during this pandemic you can waive the subscription so we all can see the offers on Monday?
If anyone is still reading past posts; I don’t think it is fair to ask this question. The service is provided *free* so a grateful: “Thank you” is warranted…not :”Give me more for free”.
This site is even more valuable during this time. Thank you!!!! for all your efforts.
Hi there, I actually heard a staff say to a member who wasn’t wearing a mask at the checkout counter that starting next week it will be required.
Is the extra hour for seniors and those with physical disabilities? Or do people who are immune compromised also allowed? If so how would they check?
Any idea why they switched to five days of seniors shopping? It will make it more difficult for those of us who are not seniors? I’ve shown up at 7am to get in so I could get some of the hard to find items (like lysol wipes etc).
Thank you again for keeping us informed!! I’m really missing my precovid Costco shopping, but you are helping me decide when to go, and what to ask others to pick up if they are offering to help out.
I wish Costco would set up online ordering that we can pick up curbside. It wouldn’t be that difficult to have employees do the shopping similar to Save-on. I am ordering from Costco.ca online but it’s very limited and everything is slowly shipped from Ontario and Quebec to BC.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Executive coupons. I’m surprised they weren’t with the magazine this time.
@Carrie,
Costco maintains their position even during the pandemic that they want their members to shop the store and go on “treasure hunts” inside the store This is in part why they won’t offer curbside pickup.
Wow, thanks for reminding me of the Costco mentality. I didn’t even think of the treasure hunt as a reason during this pandemic. I know a Costco manager that years ago explained that’s why they move items so often and don’t have a 10 items or less checkout. They want us to scavenger hunt, pick up extra items along the way. They want us to buy more than planned since we’re there anyways. I love finding .97 items that I need.
Thank you to Cocowest for helping us with our treasure hunts! 🙂
Hi Carrie
The Executive coupons booklet was glued inside the Costco magazine. At least in my copy.
I’m an Executive member as well and I didn’t find coupons included or affixed within the most recent magazine wither
I also am an Executive member and there was no booklet within the newest magazine. Only the Costco.ca booklet. How do we find out about this?
Totally agree with the comment… better to be safe than sooner. I hope more people realize this sooner than later. Stay safe everyone…
“This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer, but others too.
In short, we believe this is the right thing to do under the current circumstances. Although some may disagree with this policy or question its effectiveness, we’re choosing to err on the side of safety in our shopping environments.”
Hmmm, do they have stock of face masks that are required?
I have never seen masks sold at Costco before; however, masks are not required. You just need to cover your mouth and nose – so a scarf will do.