Costco to refuse entry to anyone not wearing a mask under strict new rules

Costco has announced that anybody not wearing a face covering will be refused entry to their stores, regardless of exemptions or disabilities.
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The wholesaler, which has an outlet in Darnall, Sheffield, made the announcement to all members in an email yesterday (December 22).

The new rules came into effect today (December 23), and contradict the Department for Health’s guidance that people should be exempt from wearing face coverings for age, health or disability reasons.

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In the email seen by The Star, Costco vice president Louie Silviera said: “Effective December 23 we will require all members, guests and employees to wear a face covering (that covers the mouth and nose) at all Costco warehouse locations.

Costco on Parkway Drive, SheffieldCostco on Parkway Drive, Sheffield
Costco on Parkway Drive, Sheffield

"Entry to Costco will only be granted to those wearing a face mask or face shield. Children under the age of 11 are exempt.

"Costco has had a face covering policy in effect since April 24, but members who could not wear a face covering due to medical exemptions were exempt.

"This is no longer the case. If a member or guest has a medical condition that prevents them wearing a mask, they must wear a face shield.

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"Whilst this update may seem inconvenient for some, we believe that the added safety is worth any inconvenience."

The new rules have angered some customers, who believe that they are discriminating against people with seen and unseen disabilities.

One Sheffield customer said: “This is contrary to Government advice which states that people with disabilities, or conditions that cause distress, are exempt from wearing either masks or shields.

"I was a victim of a sexual attack and find it extremely distressing to have anything cover my face, and because of this I cannot wear masks or shields as they cause me to suffer from panic attacks.

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"Because of this, I will now no longer be allowed to shop at Costco.

"My mother has a lung condition, and has also recently undergone surgery to her nose which has left her with pain around her head, so cannot wear either a mask or a shield, and she feels as I do, that people with disabilities are being discriminated against.”

The customer added that they had attempted to get a refund for their membership because they would be unable to shop at Costco, but this was refused.

Costco said that the policy was based on Government advice.

Current Department for Health guidelines states that: “If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering you do not routinely need to show any written evidence of this; you do not need show an exemption card.”

Those exempt include:

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Children (under 11 in England or Wales, under 13 in Northern Ireland, under five in Scotland).

Those unable to put on or wear a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or disability.

People for whom wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress.

Anyone who is assisting someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.

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