Costco to require face shields for Canadians medically exempt from wearing masks

Can't wear a mask? Then wear a face shield, urges warehouse retailer Costco, which is updating its face-covering policy for customers in its Canadian stores.

Starting Monday, Nov. 16, face masks will be mandatory for those who can wear them, with the exemption of children under the age of two.

Signs detailing the changes were posted to at least two Metro Vancouver Costco locations this week – in Coquitlam and Surrey.

Face masks now mandatory

Before this announcement, masks were recommended but not required in Costco stores, clarified CEO Craig Jelinek in a Nov. 10 news release.

“If a member has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, they must wear a face shield at Costco,” Jelinek reiterated.

"This updated policy may seem inconvenient to some, however, we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience.”

In the United States, face masks have been required by Costco customers since May 4.