Costco Food Courts Are Now Partially Reopened with a 'Limited Menu'
Costco is slowly returning its food courts to operation.
Earlier this month, the bulk shopping chain announced updates to it coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, effective May 4, including a partial reintroduction of its famous food courts.
According to Costco's updated measures, the eateries will feature a "limited menu" and orders are only available for takeout. The dine-in seating areas will stay temporarily closed. The company noted that customers should ask food court employees for any necessary condiments.
The food courts will remain closed between 9 and 10 a.m. on weekdays, when the stores are only open to shoppers ages 60 and over and people with disabilities.
As far as changes to its grocery offerings, Costco has put in place limits on certain products that could soon experience shortages due to the pandemic. All beef, poultry and pork are currently limited to three items per member.
Returns will not be accepted for products like rice, bottled water, paper towels, toilet paper and disinfectant spray and wipes.
RELATED: Why Trader Joe's Says They Won't Be Offering Grocery Delivery or Pick Up Anytime Soon
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories
The Costco food court — admired for its inexpensive menu, from which customers could order a hot dog and a soda for just $1.50, among other specialties — may now require a membership to frequent.
In February, shoppers reported signs in multiple locations that said starting March 16, an active Costco membership card was required to purchase items at the food court. The annual fee for a membership starts at $60.
RELATED VIDEO: How a Canceled Event Inspired This Food Caterer to Give Back to Frontline Workers
RELATED: Costco Stores Will Soon Require a Membership to Eat at Their Famously Inexpensive Food Court
Costco also requires that all of its customers and employees wear face coverings at all times while in the store, however, the use of masks "should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing."
"Although some may disagree with this policy or question its effectiveness, we’re choosing to err on the side of safety in our shopping environments," CEO Craig Jelinek wrote in a letter to customers announcing the mask requirement.
"Costco has continued to operate during this crisis as an essential business in all of our communities, and our employees are on the front lines," he continued. "As part of a community, we believe this simple act of safety and courtesy is one that Costco members and employees can undertake together."
As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here.
