Costco shoppers will need to wear masks that cover both the mouth and nose in ALL stores across America, starting next week (4 Pics)

All Costco shoppers will be required to wear masks in all its stores starting next week, the chain announced Wednesday.

Shoppers will be mandated to wear protective masks or face coverings starting Monday, May 4 in the latest effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

'To protect our members and employees, effective May 4, all Costco members and guests must wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while at Costco,' the store announced in a policy update on its website. 

The new rule does not apply to children under the age of two or individuals who have a medical condition that prevents them from being able to wear masks. 

All Costco shoppers will be required to wear masks in stores starting next week, the chain announced Wednesday. Customers wearing masks pictured exiting a Costco store in Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday

'The use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing. Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises,' the company added.    

At first the company announced Tuesday that masks would be mandatory for stores in cities or areas where face masks are required but updated it to include all their stores on Wednesday.

The Wednesday announcement also expanded shopping hours for customers 60 years and older from three days a week to five days a week, Monday through Friday between 9am and 10 am.  

Customers wait in line in front of a sign recommending social distancing to enter the Industry City Costco store on Tuesday in Brooklyn, New York

Many shoppers have already started to wear face masks and protective gloves when shopping such as these customers at a Costco store in Arlington, Virginia on April 16

Americans lined up to buy goods at supermarkets like Costco Wholesale and Walmart as fears over COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey on April 18

Costco will also restore its regular warehouse shopping hours after it had reduced hours to slow the spread of the virus and protect workers months ago. 

The change in rules comes as states across the country start to reopen and lift lockdown orders.

Throughout the pandemic Costco has seen long lines inundate its stores despite lockdown orders as people scramble to stock up on items like toilet paper and hand santizer. 

The store still has limits in place to prevent hoarders to wiping out supplies of sought-after items like toiletries and disinfectant. 

There's also a no-return policy applied to toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, rice and disinfecting spray. 

While it’s not required to wear face covering while out in public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended in April the public do so as a safety measure.