Costcos across California to scrap special COVID operating hours. Here’s what to know

Costco’s special operating hours will soon join the other tossed COVID-19 mitigation tools originally set in place at the beginning of the pandemic.

Starting Monday, April 18, member-exclusive warehouse Costco will scrap its more than two-year special hours policy for customers ages 60 and up, healthcare workers and first responders, noting shoppers uncomfortable with the change could shop online, according to a statement on its website.

Currently only the special group of customers are allowed to shop the warehouse and utilize the pharmacy from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The hours have also been open to members with physical disabilities.

Like other grocery chains around the U.S., Costco began its special operating hours in March 2020 to help curb the spread of COVID-19 to high risk individuals. But after Sunday, April 17, Culver City — more than six hours from Sacramento — will be the only city in California with special hours, operating from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Other U.S. cities expected to carry on the special operating hours include Brooklyn, New York, Westbury, New York and Honolulu, Hawaii from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

But it’s not the first time Costco tried to do away with its dedicated blocked time.

In July 2021, the discount warehouse moved to end special operating hours but quickly changed course and reduced the window from five days a week to twice a week.

Starting Monday, April 18, those who fell under the special operating hours category will need to shop during regular business hours or visit the Costco’s website.