Costco allows fully vaccinated customers to no longer wear masks while in stores, with exceptions

Costco announced last week that fully vaccinated members can shop in most sections of its stores without wearing a face mask or face shield, following new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

The company sent out a note to its customers Friday detailing the changes. In an update on its website, Costco said it will still follow state and local rules on masks. If a store is located in a jurisdiction that still requires masks indoors, it will apply to that Costco location.

Costco CEO Craig Jelinek said the stores will not require proof of vaccination but asks for "members’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy."

Face coverings will be required in health care areas such as the pharmacy, optical and hearing aid areas of the stores.

The CDC on Thursday eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.

The updated guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools and other venues.