Costco denying entry to mask exempt unless they wear a shield

[LifelsAPigsty]

Surely this is discrimination? Some people who can't wear a mask can't wear a visor either (I can't, I have trigeminal neuralgia and can't tolerate any pressure on my face/head/temples). There are other conditions which make wearing them impossible, too. I'm sure the government guidelines state this sort of action isn't permitted?

I don't shop at Costco personally but I'm so worried other places will follow suit (and no, I can't avoid shops sadly - no delivery slots for months here and I don't drive so no c&c. Also no friends/relatives to shop for me).

Yet another layer of anxiety and worry

Sorry OP, but I agree with their policy. It’s sad that you can’t wear a mask, but surely you can see how by not wearing one you are putting staff and shoppers at risk? It’s just pointless having the rule currently, as some wear and some don’t. Should be all or nothing.

How about one of the snoods you pull up? I'm sorry you are in this situation. I don't think there are any changes to the exemption regs but I could be wrong. I do think it's time for the vast majority of people to wear masks or visits or accept that they will be politely challenged about it though.

Costco are membership only, is that how they round this?

I agree with their policy.

"They get round this"

I don't think other shops will follow.

@Livelovebehappy

Sorry OP, but I agree with their policy. It’s sad that you can’t wear a mask, but surely you can see how by not wearing one you are putting staff and shoppers at risk? It’s just pointless having the rule currently, as some wear and some don’t. Should be all or nothing.

Surely staff in shops who are also exempt are putting people at risk, too - are they going to have to lose their jobs because of their health condition/disability?

I understand people are worried and I absolutely hate not being able to wear a face covering. I get abuse almost every time I go out and of course I'm aware of the risks. But I still need to go out (shopping, work, using public transport). If I can't work/buy food what shall I do (if other companies/PT adopt this policy too)?

Wear a scarf and pull it up over your mouth.

There are very, very few people who are both genuinely mask exempt and need to be in a shop.

@Barbie222

How about one of the snoods you pull up? I'm sorry you are in this situation. I don't think there are any changes to the exemption regs but I could be wrong. I do think it's time for the vast majority of people to wear masks or visits or accept that they will be politely challenged about it though.

Unfortunately I can't wear a snood or any kind of covering - I've tried, and the first time I did I had an attack. I've lost consciousness in the past which is obviously not something I need to happen in public.

Politely challenged is fine - I always wear a lanyard and carry my medication with me which is the best I can do by way of proof, given there's no certification.

It’s a bit short sighted of them. I can’t imagine others following suit, Tesco aren’t going to challenge every customer and turn them away.

‘Politely challenged’ is a bit of an oxymoron. If someone is not wearing a mask it should be assumed that they are exempt.

(I am not exempt and I wear a mask)

Well no-one else has followed Costco's policy so I wouldn't worry about it.

You can thank the people who claim to be exempt but aren't for this new rule.

There's far too many people that claim they cannot wear a mask yet because they don't want to, unfortunately this will now impact those few like yourself that actually are genuinely unable to

Sorry but I have to agree with their policy. Unfortunately things are getting out of control and if mask wearing slows the spread - even a tiny bit, then this needs to continue

As you don’t drive how do you normally get home from the shops? Surely this wouldn’t change regardless of whether you were going in to a shop or click and collecting?

Put a scarf over mouth and take it down once you are in the shop

@SellFridges

Wear a scarf and pull it up over your mouth.

There are very, very few people who are both genuinely mask exempt and need to be in a shop.

I agree those who can tolerate no face covering whatsoever are a small minority, but we do exist. I also understand that people are worried. But those of us who can't wear coverings still have to go to work, shop, etc. I really wish I could wear a mask, it would have saved so much upset this year. And I hate that I may be putting others at risk.

One of the differences between Costco and supermarkets is that everyone gets stopped already on entry given it is membership only. The staff are used to turning people away who are not members, have come at the wrong time etc. So introducing this is not that burdensome as for other places.

I don't think other shops will do this. There is not much point worrying about it if it hasn't happened. But I guess you could write to them (places like Costco) or your MP and advocate for yourself or others who cannot wear a mask.

It is a members' club. They might agree to give you a refund for your annual membership if their rules exclude you (or they might argue that your membership also covers online purchases so you still benefit).

If you are exempt, you are exempt. It’s an odd policy and discriminatory.

I personally think face visors (like masks to some extent) are covid theatre. You could get one of those hairspray guards they used to use at hairdressers. Hold that in front of your face. It’s a face covering for the sake of a face covering but equally nonsensical as a visor.

It's disgraceful.

They should not be allowed to discriminate against people with disabilities.

@LifelsAPigsty I’m sorry you have been made to feel uncomfortable about this.

MN can be a bit black and white about masks. I don’t think it’s a shining beacon of empathy and understanding.

@BopToTheTop

Sorry but I have to agree with their policy. Unfortunately things are getting out of control and if mask wearing slows the spread - even a tiny bit, then this needs to continue

As you don’t drive how do you normally get home from the shops? Surely this wouldn’t change regardless of whether you were going in to a shop or click and collecting?

I use the bus or walk. I have rheumatoid arthritis so can't carry a lot on each trip - c&c has a minimum spend which I don't reach on each trip, plus my Tesco only for cars, I think.

Seriously if uou cannot wear a mask then you CANNOT wear one what is the difficulty in understanding this do people genuinely wish the op to "just wear one" then she can have an attack and "prove" she is disabled?

Hi OP,

I have to admit I’d never heard of your condition but after googling I totally understand why you can’t wear a mask or a shield. Are you able to print something that briefly explains your condition? I’m guessing they’ve dealt with a lot of people who claim to have a medical exemption not actually don’t and they’re trying to cut down on all of those. I’m sure with your lanyard and a short explanation of your condition, you would be absolutely fine.

I also agree with their new policy. I have similar issues which affect my face and I wear a silk mask which works fine. It is not pleasant, but It really is just a matter of getting on with it for the common good.