Costco ends mask requirement in some areas

Costco announced Friday that it will not mandate that vaccinated customers wear masks in some of its stores.

The company said in a statement that customers will not have to cover their faces if they are fully vaccinated and in stores where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate. It added that it will not require proof of vaccinations. 

The company added that it is still recommending that customers wear masks, especially for those who are at higher risk from contracting the disease and suffering from a serious case. Face coverings are still mandated in health care setting such as Costco pharmacies.

Costco also said it will comply with the rules in state and local jurisdictions that still have a mask mandate.

“As before, 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, while following public health advice and applicable laws,” said Costco CEO Craig Jelinek. 

The announcement comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance saying fully vaccinated Americans can go without masks in most settings, including indoors.

Walmart said Friday that mask will not be mandated in its stores for those who are fully vaccinated, and grocery store chain Trader Joe’s said it will no longer require customers to wear face masks inside of its stores but that employees will continue to wear masks at its sites.