Costco will implement a new policy relative to the coronavirus effective Monday, Nov. 16.

Although Costco has had a mask mandate in its stores since May 4, 2020, now it has tightened the rules.  All members, guests, and employees must wear a face mask or a face shield (or both) at all Costco locations.   The only exception is those 2 and younger.

Up until now, Costco exempted people from wearing a mask if they had a medical condition.  If the member cannot wear a mask, they must wear a face shield.

Costco President and CEO Craig Jelinek acknowledged this might be inconvenient but the goal is to ensure a safe environment for members and guests and employees.  His letter to customers also noted that physical distancing is still required.

People who cannot or choose not to wear either a face mask or a face shield can get groceries delivered.  One option on the Big Island is Instacart, where they take online orders and deliver at pre-determined times.

Costco in Kona has Kupuna Shopping Hours from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.  Their regular hours for everybody are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.  On Saturdays, Costco is open from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sundays, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The gas pumps open at 4:30 a.m. daily, and close Monday through Friday at 9:30 p.m., on Saturday at 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.   There is more information about the Costco Kona hours and services here.

For the Costco letter to its customers, click here.