I saw a Facebook post on the Billings Customer Service Watchdog Facebook page today (4/28) that showed a picture of a sign posted at Costco that reads:

"Effective 5/4/2020 All Members, Guests and Employees Must Wear Face Coverings. Members without face coverings will not be permitted in the warehouse. Thank you."

Searching the Costco website, they have a page (updated 4/28/2020) dedicated to their COVID-19 rules. There are quite a few, which you can read HERE. The rule regarding face masks states,

 Some states and/or local jurisdictions require face masks to be worn when in public. Costco will adhere to those requirements.

It appears that the company is attempting to follow Governor Bullock and the Yellowstone County Health Department's guidelines. I think maybe they are hoping to protect themselves from potential employee lawsuits as well, but that's just my opinion.

As you can imagine, keyboard warriors were going nuts about the masks, with many people screaming about their "rights." Yes, you certainly have a right to not wear a mask if you choose. But guess who else has rights? Privately owned businesses. They can generally make whatever kind of rules they deem appropriate for their business. For example, you can't go on most construction job sites without a hard hat. "BUT MY RIGHTS!!! NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!".  Yes, they can. They own the business and they can make the rules.

Honestly, if you want to take your business elsewhere, go for it. Costco is so crowded anyway that I'll appreciate the extra space in the aisle. The slight inconvenience of wearing a mask (even if you believe they are ineffective) for 45 minutes' worth of shopping is hardly infringing on your constitutional rights. I'm extremely thankful my work environment doesn't put me in close contact with literally thousands of random people touching, coughing, and sneezing everywhere. Stay safe and well out there. We'll get through this.

KEEP READING: Creative Ways to Bring Joy to Your Neighborhood While Social Distancing

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