Costco Now Requires Everyone Wear Masks At Wisconsin Stores

MILWAUKEE, WI — Costco, a wholesaler with eight stores in Wisconsin and two nearby in Minnesota, has updated its store policy and now requires all store members and guest to wear a face mask or covering amid the coronavirus public health emergency.

The policy goes into effect on May 4.

The policy states, in part, "to protect our members and employees, effective May 4, all Costco members and guests must wear a mask or 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 mask or face covering due to a medical condition."

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Store officials said the use of a face mask or face covering "should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing. Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises."

Here are the Wisconsin and nearby Costco locations:

• Grand Chute
• Bellevue
• Sun Prairie
• Middleton
• Grafton
• Menomonee Falls
• Pewaukee
• New Berlin
• Rochester, MN
• Woodbury, MN

State health officials in Wisconsin say wearing a cloth face cover may be beneficial as it may help to protect others from germs you may be spreading without knowing it.

Using a cloth face cover is preferable because that allows more surgical masks and respirators to be used by health care providers and other first responders, state officials say.

You should wear a cloth face cover when you are outside the home conducting essential activities such as going to work, to the grocery store, pharmacy, banking and enjoying outdoor activities while maintaining physical distancing. If you are sick (have a cough or are sneezing) or have seasonal allergies you need to wear a cloth face cover when around other people to protect them from your sneezes.

How effective are masks at preventing the spread of the virus?

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, there is only limited evidence to suggest that use of cloth face coverings by the public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission.

Their primary role, state officials in Wisconsin say, is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19 but feels well.

"Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing and washing hands and staying home when ill, but they may be helpful when combined with these primary interventions," officials say.

Related Reading

• Wisconsin Coronavirus Tracker
• Wearing Masks During Coronavirus: What The Wisconsin DHS Says
• Coronavirus: Some Wisconsin Businesses Can Reopen Under New Order

• What's going on in Wisconsin? Find Out Here
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