According to the latest update from Costco, it will shortly end its policy for senior members, which has existed for more than two years due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In the past, Costco has sought to restrict or eliminate the time allotted for senior customers to shop in all its stores in different locations. The retailer initially planned to restrict the entrance of old members but eventually cut senior hours from five days a week to twice-weekly events in July of last year.

Guests who did not fulfill the criteria of the club’s standards were not allowed to shop during the allotted period.

According to Johns Hopkins University statistics released last year, Coronavirus infections rapidly spiked in all 50 states, posing a threat to the lives of senior citizens. The number of hospitalizations throughout the country rose at an alarming rate. Therefore, since the 26th of July 2021, most Costco stores have remained open for senior members from Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m.

Costco’s New Hours of Operation with Exceptions for the Elderly

Costco will implement the extra operation hours for senior members that are 60 years old and older, first responders, and healthcare professionals until the 17th of April. Members with disabilities or immunocompromised conditions have also been accommodated during these hours.

There will no longer be special shopping hours for members 60 and older, healthcare workers, and first responders at Costco beginning on the 18th of April, 2022, as per the recent update shared by the retail company.

In light of the drop in COVID-19 cases throughout the country, Costco has decided to ease its COVID-19 limitations, like the other retailers. While cities around the country have loosened their vaccination and regulations regarding wearing a mask, some businesses have maintained policies related to COVID-19 for protection against the virus.

The Transportation Security Administration has had to expand its policy numerous times since the epidemic’s beginning to punish those who do not wear a mask when traveling.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have determined that people most susceptible and at-risk for contracting COVID-19 should be given priority when shopping at Costco, as have the majority of the nation’s major grocery retailers.

Even though Costco started off by implementing its senior hours twice a week last year, it quickly extended to thrice a week. There was a noticeable increase in the number of stores that extended senior hours to weekday mornings in early May 2020.

A reduction in hours from five days a week to twice weekly was initially planned for Costco in July 2020. However, Costco revised plans at that time since COVID-19 cases were on the rise.

In the most recent update, Costco made the following statement members who do not desire to shop during regular hours may visit Costco.com for all their shopping requirements.

Up to the 17th of April, 2022, Costco warehouses in the United States and Puerto Rico will have a designated shopping time from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday for senior members, including members with impairments or those who are immunocompromised.