Costco to require customers to wear face masks in some stores, including Bellingham
Starting next week if you’re planning to go to the Bellingham Costco, be sure to bring a face mask.
Costco recently updated its procedures about preventing the spread of the coronavirus. On its website, the company noted that in certain locations it will require workers and customers to wear face masks inside the store.
An employee at the Bellingham Costco near West Bakerview Road confirmed that the face mask requirement will start there on Monday, May 4.
Costco said on its website that the requirement is for stores in jurisdictions that require masks in public as part of social distancing measures. The Washington State Department of Health recommends masks in public places where people cannot reliably stay more than six feet apart.
“We think cloth face coverings may reduce some additional spread, but, still, the best way to prevent spread of COVID-19 is washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, not touching your face, and staying at home as much as possible,” according to the state health website.
The Bellingham Costco has taken a variety of measures since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in this area. Customers entering the store are sent to the east side of the building to grab wiped down shopping carts and wait for an employee to let them in. The floor of the checkout area is marked so customers know where to stand with their carts. The seating area in the food court is not available and reusable bags are discouraged.
A visit to the store on Sunday, April 26, found all the employees wearing masks, as well as most of the customers.
