Why Costco went even further with its mask mandate

As the US continues to allow coronavirus to spread unchecked, Costco, one of the nation’s largest retailers, is going even further with its storewide mask mandate, which it introduced earlier this year. Now, even those with medical conditions preventing them from wearing a mask must wear a face shield, or else they won’t be allowed in.

“This updated policy may seem inconvenient to some, however we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience,” Costco CEO Craig Jelinek wrote in a letter to members. “Our goal is to continue to provide a safe shopping environment for our members and guests, and to provide a safe work environment for our employees."

The store, which mandated mask-wearing in May, was one of the first retailers to do so, outpacing the US government, which recommends but doesn’t require masks. More than half the countries in the world have instituted a mask mandate, along with major US airlines and retailers.