Costco is one of the latest companies recommending customers wear face masks while shopping at its warehouses – including the one in Richmond – during the pandemic.
In a bulletin posted to the company’s website Thursday, the company said “it is recommended that all Costco members and guests wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose, at all times while on Costco premises.”
The measure, which will apply to the 100 Costco stores across Canada, has been in place at U.S. locations since May 4.
The notice was posted a day after Canada’s chief public health officer recommended Canadians wear a face mask, to provide an added layer of protection, in situations where it’s not possible to maintain physical distancing. Costco said that it made the decision based on that recent guidance.
However, Costco states that the recommendation doesn’t apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who aren’t able to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition.
The company also notes that the use of a face mask “should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing.”
Costco is not the first to ask customers to wear masks. T&T Supermarket said earlier this month that it now requires shoppers to wear a mask to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
And earlier this week, TransLink asked that people wear a mask while on, or waiting to board, transit.
