As of this week, the superstore will continue to allow police officers, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and all hospital employees with a valid employee ID to move to the front of a line to enter the warehouse. Furthermore, Target has announced it'll be providing its 350,000 employees with face masks and gloves to wear at work. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { The only exception is for children under the age of 2, or individuals with a medical condition that prohibits them from wearing a face mask. Some Costco locations have already implemented rules that limit the numbers of shoppers inside the store at the same time. Costco was a mega hotspot to get all the essentials needed to stay at home when lockdowns started, and the warehouse chain quickly added policies to keep employees and customers safe as they shop. But with the wide availability of vaccines, many retailers reduced or eliminated special shopping hours and eased or eliminated face mask requirements.. In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails Costco has been proactive in measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, including sanitizing carts, limiting the number of customers in the store at any given time, and limiting its food court menu and seating. Unless a local municipality has placed restrictions on shoppers using their own reusable bags, Costco will allow members to bring their own as long as they pack their own groceries at checkout.

receive communications related to AARP volunteering. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. As US states begin the process of reverting back to life as usual, Costco is easing restrictions in most of its warehouses across the US. Newsom Lashes Out at UCLA Over Move to Big Ten Conference and Demands an Explanation, LA Businesses Criticize Looming Return of Mask Mandate, Saying It Should Be Voluntary. Grocery stores are seeing shoppers panic buy essentials like toilet paper, snacks, and water and it's leading to shortages.

When the CDC announced its updated face mask recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated people in May, Costco followed Trader Joe's and other major grocery store chains and dropped the requirement for all customers. Price Chopper: Most stores are open to seniors and the immunocompromised from 6 to 7 a.m. each day. CORONAVIRUS UPDATES RIGHT NOW IN YOUR INBOX, Costco no longer limiting warehouse entry to two people per membership card. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. The chain previously implemented a variety of safety measures to ensure the safety of its customers and workers.

Costco announced Thursday that members will only be allowed to bring one guest inside the store with them in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Related: Best Supplements To Buy at Costco, Say Experts. However, now the warehouse giant says that "Costco locations will follow the face mask regulations of the applicable state and local jurisdictions," noting that "In communities where COVID-19 transmission is high or substantial, per current CDC guidance, Costco strongly recommends that all members and guests wear face masks inside our locations.". Here's what shoppers can expect during their next Costco trip. These are smaller and more spaced out now, and the chain confirms it on the site, saying that "Seating may be limited.". As of May 4,Costco returned to its regular store hoursafter closing its doors early at most warehouses and gas stations around the country for several weeks. There's Another Shortage of Sparkling Water Across the U.S. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. In addition to the number of customers being limited, stores in the U.S. will close at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Costco still continues to require all members and guests to wear masks or face coverings while shopping at warehouses. Manage Cookie Preferences | Do Not Sell My Information, Costco announces policy changes amid coronavirus concerns, Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk. Thomas Lane pleaded guilty in May and has already been sentenced in a separate state case. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. The company is limiting how many people can come in on a single membership card. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

He also serves as a general assignment reporter. Costco's website says its stores in Puerto Rico will still only allow one customer per membership card. Costco previously allowed members to bring only one guest with them to stores, as per an announcement in early April. Costco is no longer limiting the number of members per card allowed to shop in its stores. As non-essential businesses start to reopen across the country, Costco is loosening some of the restrictions it started to put in place mid-March. The change, which is temporary, is to not only protect the health and safety of employees and customers but also help with social distancing. Error! Target, meanwhile, has said that it will be keeping a track of and "when needed, meter guest traffic" in its nearly 1,900 stores nationwide. Here's how to join WUSA9 Weather Watchers team, Costco limits number of customers who can enter, Costco to temporarily limit meat purchases to 3 items per person. Costco, Sam's Club or Amazon Prime: Which retail club is best for you. Costco to temporarily limit fresh meat purchases, Costco shoppers to be required to wear face masks/coverings, Costco giving priority warehouse access to healthcare workers, first responders, Costco to limit warehouse entry to two people per membership card, Key metric used to lift mask mandate has been surpassed, COVID cases rising in local schools, indoor masks recommended, Gov. again. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the highly contagious virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. by Aaron Kassraie, AARP, Updated April 18, 2022. The Minneapolis retail has already implemented a more intense cleaning regimen at its stores, and installed sneeze guards to protect staff members at checkouts. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The warehouses also stopped offering food samples and are no longer accepting returns on certain merchandise. every day. Some of America's favorite fast-food chains have either closed their dining rooms or are thinking about it. Costco A shopper leaves as others line up to enter a Costco store, Friday, March 20, 2020, in Tacoma, Wash. } ); Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel), Police: Man shot, woman in custody after active barricade in SW DC Mandarin Oriental hotel, DC Police identify mother of 5 shot to death in front of her children inside DC home, DC Public Library offers unhoused residents 'cooling kits' for heat wave, SIGN UP HERE: Love weather? Although many grocery stores across the U.S. have ended special hours for older shoppers, some chains continue to offer the option for those over a certain age and for others who are at greater risk from COVID-19., BJs Wholesale:Most stores offer a designated hour for those 60 and older, Monday to Saturday, from 8 to 9 a.m. First responders have a dedicated shopping hour on Sundays, from 8 to 9 a.m. Use the Club Locator to see if your location participates., Dollar General:The first hour of operations is dedicated to senior customers. For example, the Costco in Eden Prairie wasn't allowing more than 150 customers in the warehouse at any point last weekend. Sign up for our newsletter to receive our top stories based on your reading preferences delivered daily to your inbox. Related: To get all the latest Costco news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter! Still just carryout only. Whole pizzas and hotdogs also available. The food court has remained open with a limited menu for months (we miss you, combo pizza!

Stores are also continuing to offer special hours for seniors to shop. The warehouse shopping club has updated its policies almost daily. "Occupancy limits will vary by location and be determined by the stores specific square footage to enhance the average space per person and reduce the possibility of congestion," Target said.

The wholesaler had already required masks for employees and instituted occupancy limits. related to AARP volunteering. In Massachusetts, the Board of Health mandated that local health care workers and first responders are not allowed to shop during senior-only shopping hours. Costco Wholesale store in the Van Nuys section of Los Angeles, Saturday, May 16, 2020. The providers terms, conditions and policies apply.

While Costco has since lifted this restriction at most stores,many healthy and safety experts advise not shopping with children(or too many people at one time) in order to shop more efficiently and keep stores from getting too crowded. "This temporary change is for your safety and the safety of our employees and other members, and to further assist with our social distancing efforts," Costco said on its website. Beginning Friday, each membership card will only get two people into Costco at the same time. Classic Minneapolis home sold in a matter of days. Find out in our Medicare Resource Center. The 5 percent senior club discount applies on Thursdays., Lowes Food:Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 7 to 8 a.m., are dedicated to older adults and those who are immunocompromised.. Costco has announced a change in shopping policy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whileshoppers will still be required to wear masks or face coveringsfor the foreseeable future, pizza lovers will be heartened to hear that Costco has reopened most of its food courts for limited service. The blaze caused around $90,000 in damage. Costco has removed a shopping policy limiting warehouse entry to two people per membership card. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) {

Get the best food tips and diet advice KIRO 7 News Seattle facebook feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle twitter feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle youtube feed(Opens a new window), company officials announced on the Costco website, In addition to the number of customers being limited, Reports: Rochester police officer killed, another injured after shooting, Potty mouth? The official list was just updated at the end of August, and below is everything you need to know about the rules that are still in place. TEGNA reached out to Costco for confirmation. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Costco has been consistently implementing new policies and updating them often to encourage social distancing, help keep its shoppers and employees safe and ensure stores rare reliably stocked. The two retail giants announced the latest stage in their efforts to protect staff and customers from the novel coronavirus. The retailer is still requiring all customers to wear a face covering in the store which covers their mouth and nose. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); The change in the retailers policy, effective April 18, comes as the average number of new infections is up 19.1 percent from the previous seven-day average, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.. There was an error processing your request. Instead of Monday through Friday, members who are over 60 years old, those with disabilities, those who are immunocompromised, healthcare workers (including pharmacists and all hospital employees with a hospital ID), and first responders (police officers, EMTs, and firefighters) would be able to have the warehouse to themselves twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The CDC is considering it.

We'd like to give you a chance to honor their memory. Example video title will go here for this video. In addition, Costco members who worked in health care or as first responders could shop during those hours with proper identification. www.aarp.org/volunteer. Theyll close at 6:30 p.m. on weekends. This COVID-19 rule hasn't changed, even with the Delta variant running rampant across the country.

Aaron Kassraie writes about issues important to military veterans and their families for AARP. The company has also limited sales of some items which were quickly bought up at the start of the pandemic as well as meat purchases amid concerns about a shortage. The new policy, which goes into effect Friday, is designed to control the amount of people in the warehouse at one time. "Were incredibly proud of the commitment our more than350,000 frontline team members have demonstrated to ensure millions of guests can count on Target, and well continue to focus our efforts on supporting them," said John Mulligan, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Target. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e. } else {

Stores in Kentucky and Puerto Rico warehouses are the exception, and will not allow more than one person per membership card to enter stores. NOW WATCH: The coronavirus forced the world's largest condom maker to stop producing and now there may be a shortage of 100 million condoms, Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. In the meantime, please feel free Previously, one membership card could get your entire family into the warehouse, but the temporary change is being made "for your safety and the safety of our employees and other members. More information on specific warehouse hours may be foundhere. day, 2020 Galvanized Media. #costco #costcowholesale @costco #kirklandsignature #costcofood #costcofoodcourt #foodcourt #pizza #hotdog #costcohotdog #costcopizza #costcojapan #costcouk #costcocanada #costcomexico #costcohaul #costcolife #tbt #socialdistancing #2020 #quarantine #quarantinelife #alonetogether #stayhome #weareinthistogether #thursday #food #foodporn #foodstagram #theCostcoConnoisseur #GoingToAllTheCostcos, A post shared by the Costco Connoisseur (@thecostcoconnoisseur) on May 7, 2020 at 5:10pm PDT. Costco returned to normal operating hours at most locations in early May and continues to have several health/safety measures in place including social distancing, special operating hours for seniors/at-risk shoppers, priority access for first responders and health care workers, product limitations and a limited food court menu.

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. Sign up for notifications from Insider! xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Movie-goers said they mistook the firework for gunfire and thought they were going to be killed. As part of its initial wave of policy changes,Costco limited the number of shoppersto two per membership card, including families with children. The pharmacy will be open during that time. On May 4, Costco announced thatevery person entering its stores would be required to wear face masksor a face covering "that covers the mouth and nose at all times" while they shop. Food and household essential sales have surged. Following the announcement of the new face-covering policy, angry Costco shoppers voiced their frustrations on social media, some calling for a boycott of the warehouse chain. Low around 60F. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. That policy had been in place since April 3, but is now no longer listed on Costco's web page displaying various health and safety measures being taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Costco is again allowing more than two customers per membership card into its stores, with a handful of exceptions. Most Costco warehouses open at 9 a.m. but as some hours of operation vary by location, check with your local store before heading out to shop. Also, until further notice, Costco is open solely for members ages 60 and older from 8-9 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Get the latest news, weather, sports and information from the region's top local news source. ExpressLane Online Shopping pickup times are reserved for older adults from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays. Subscribe to get twice-daily updates on the COVID-19 outbreak in your inbox. Right in the thick of lockdowns members couldn't sit and snack in or outside of the warehouse. Menu offerings are still limited, however, though some customers, including a Washington D.C.-based Costco blogger called The Costco Connoisseur, have reported that some food courts are offering pizza by the slice instead of just whole pies.

The only exception to this policy reversal is in Kentucky and Puerto Rico, where warehouses are allowing no more than one person per membership card to shop at a time.

Its pharmacies open at 7 a.m. on Mondays to allow vulnerable customers to pick up their prescriptions with limited exposure to others., Harris Teeter:Mondays and Thursdays, from 6 to 8 a.m., are reserved for shoppers age 60 and older. "Well Matt, look around," said Whoopi Goldberg.

The store is also maintaining several restrictions on what items people may return, including several high-demand essentials like toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice and disinfecting spray.

Others spoke out in support of the new policy. The company is limiting how many people can come in on a single membership card. That could potentially see shoppers going to busier Targets having to wait outside until others leave. Get the best food tips and diet RELATED: Costco limits number of customers who can enter. You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. You will be asked to register or log in. High near 90F. Some items have made their way back onto the board, but some members aren't fans. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident.

Costco announces policy changes amid coronavirus concerns Costco announces policy changes amid coronavirus concerns. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Previously, only club members 60 and older, people with disabilities, and immunocompromised shoppers were permitted to shop during the hour-long time slot on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Success! Copyright 2022 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. A representative responded by saying "please visit the Coronavirus Updates page for current information.". Stay up to date with what you want to know. Costco Still Has These 4 Rules Amid the Delta Variant Spread, Some of America's favorite fast-food chains have either closed, shoppers panic buy essentials like toilet paper, snacks, and water, Best Supplements To Buy at Costco, Say Experts, Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua via Getty) (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling/Getty Images, Costco followed Trader Joe's and other major grocery store chains, 10 Grocery Store Safety Tips From a Health Expert, That changed earlier this year when Costco put back some of the picnic tables, The Costco Deli Just Brought Back This Comfort Meal, 3 Costco Recalls You Need to Know About Now, Costco Is Opening Even More New Warehouses In These Areas, 6 New Costco Items Customers Are Absolutely Loving Right Now. Effective since May 4, all US Costco stores have returned to regular operating hours, and all Costco shoppers are required to wear face coverings while in the store. As of Tuesday, that rule no longer appears on the website.

Which prescription drugs cost Medicare the most? Slices of pizza are back in the food courts!! The rising number of COVID-19 cases thanks to the Delta variant is taking over the country a year and a half after the initial spread led to closures and lockdowns.

The pickup fee is waived, and seniors can opt for delivery for $5. New York man accused of flushing victims dentures down toilet, Missouri radiology manager climbs through window to save 10-month-old in hot car, New York resident finds timber rattlesnake inside home, 13-year-old takes mothers car, leads Tulsa police on short chase. It did not elaborate as to why. The warehouse chain is no longer limiting the number of members per card allowed to shop in its stores, according to updated policies, as outlined on Costco's website. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Mother gives birth outside of hospital, father uses face mask to tie umbilical cord, Mom of The Flash' actor Logan Williams, 16, says he died after opioid overdose, Mega Millions Ticket Worth $629K Sold in Northern California, San Jose's Willow Glen Businesses Hit by Thieves, Coyotes Take Over Mountain View Golf Course, We Have Reached Our Breaking Point': South Bay Doctors, Nurses Demand Change, Elvis' Actress Shonka Dukureh Found Dead at 44. xhr.send(payload); Police say they're investigating it as a possible drowning. Costco gas stations will be open from 7:30 a.m. through 7 p.m. on weekdays. RELATED: Costco to temporarily limit meat purchases to 3 items per person. Trader Joe's Has Removed Its Second Product From Shelves This Month, America's Largest Grocery Chain Is Seeing A Major Pest Problem At One of Its Stores, 9 Discontinued Cereals You Won't Believe Ever Existed, 10 Cheese Brands That Use the Lowest Quality Ingredients, This Popular Candy Still Has a Toxic Chemical And Here's Why It Might Be Dangerous, Costco, Walmart, Kroger, and Lidl Are Closing Some Locations Right Now. People have waited till the weekend for some serious panic buying. The DIY giant is the latest retailer to place limits on customers. For more info about what's happening at the warehouse in your neighborhood, check out: Get the best food tips and diet advice every single day, Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inboxevery Costco said that in recent weeks, it has altered its hours, increased its sanitization of high-touch surfaces like shopping cart handles and merchandise shelves, and placed limits on certain items. Despite theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation to wear facial coverings in areas where social distancing is difficult, like grocery stores,Costco faced immediate backlashfrom a sizable number of people who declared they would no longer shop at the big-box retailer if forced to cover their faces. The Associated Press contributed to this report. EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. Inslee drops vaccine requirement for outdoor contractors, FDA authorizes Pfizer booster for kids aged 5-11, Study shows COVID vaccine could have prevented 243,000 deaths, Providence Sacred Heart joins RECOVER Initiative to research prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, New COVID testing site on Sprague; tests no longer needed to enter Canada for fully vaccinated, Higher rates of PTSD and other mental health disorders found in COVID-19 survivors. Stores in Kentucky and Puerto Rico warehouses will not allow more than one person per membership card to enter stores. Costco and Target are tightening store rules to help keep shoppers safe during the COVID-19 crisis. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. as well as other partner offers and accept our. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); They also still have safety measures in placewith some updates. Do you have a question about the Coronavirus outbreak? to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Starting Friday, no more than two people may enter the store on each membership card, company officials announced on the Costco website. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. Due topotential meat shortages,Costco is limiting the number of fresh beef, pork and poultry products customers may buy to three items per member. single

The issues were a major problem on Thanksgiving Day, and again on Black Friday. It does not apply to children under age 2 or people with conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask. All rights reserved, shoppers will still be required to wear masks or face coverings, Costco returned to its regular store hours, Netflix Loses Fewer Subscribers Than Expected and Says Cheaper Ad Tier Is Coming in Early 2023, Twitter Sues Elon Musk to Enforce Original Merger Agreement, many healthy and safety experts advise not shopping with children, every person entering its stores would be required to wear face masks, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.