Bend Costco will require all members to wear face masks

New requirement goes into effect Monday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Starting next Monday, Costco members and staff will be required to wear face masks before they can enter the Bend warehouse.

Requiring face masks is one of several steps the company has taken to ensure the health and safety of its staff and members.

Earlier this month, Costco announced they were only letting two people per membership card inside its warehouses.

They also changed their weekday closing hours to 6:30 p.m. and added extra opening hours from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays exclusively for members who are considered high-risk, including people 60 and older as well as those with disabilities.

Workers at the Bend Costco told NewsChannel 21 Tuesday starting next Monday, members will not be able to enter the warehouse without a face mask.

Pamela Sylvester, a Costco shopper, wore a mask to the store Tuesday. She said she thinks the new rule is a good idea.

“I think out of respect for others and everyone in our community that we should all be on the same page and be respectful with each other,” Sylvester said. “Whether you believe it or not, there’s more people on board with wearing masks while shopping than not.”

Bill Musser, who drove to Costco in Bend from La Pine to shop for groceries, said he also agrees with the new policy.

“I usually wear a mask when I go in there,” Musser said. “I’m considered high-risk, so I’m okay with that.” 

Some customers who did not agree with having to wear face masks in Costco did not want to be interviewed on camera. However, they said they would be willing to start wearing masks if it is a requirement to shop in the stores.

Costco’s corporate team said it was unable to provide comment about the new policies. In an email to NewsChannel 21 Tuesday, Costco said, “Our focus is to have merchandise available for our members at low warehouse prices.”

Learn more about Costco's response to COVID-19 on their website.