New York City Hall Supplements Deficit Goods List Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Earlier, the City Hall of New York announced a shortage of protective face masks, now this list has been supplemented with hand sanitizers and wipes. This is stated in a press release from the Department of Consumer Protection and Employees (DCWP).

The temporary shortage of hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes was announced on March 9 by DCWP Commissioner Lorelei Salas. The statement takes effect March 10 and temporarily prohibits a sharp increase in the price of these products in New York stores.

“We continue to see businesses targeting consumers who are concerned about their health in times of uncertainty, which is unacceptable,” Salas said. “We are actively educating businesses and consumers that this is unacceptable and will investigate complaints of price rigging.”

Salas also called on consumers who are faced with overpriced prices for these products to file a complaint with the aforementioned department.

"It is unacceptable for businesses to target New Yorkers who are trying to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the coronavirus," said New York University Emergency Commissioner Deanne Criswell.

Recall that on March 5, in accordance with the rules of the city (6 RCNY §5-38), the commissioner announced a shortage of face masks in New York.

How will this affect the business?

According to the ban, stores selling scarce goods are forbidden to: raise prices excessively, demand the purchase of a minimum quantity of goods, refuse to consumers equal opportunity to buy goods, or demand to buy other goods in order to receive scarce products.

DCWP will monitor compliance with these rules by inspecting stores and responding to consumer complaints. Those who intentionally raise prices for goods will be fined up to $ 500 for each item. The declaration expires after 30 days, but can be canceled or extended by an authorized person, the report said.

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“If businesses pay more to supply these goods, they can provide proof of this to DCWP, but the increase should be comparable. For example, if they paid $ 2 more, they cannot charge customers $ 50 more, ”the department explained.

How it will affect buyers

Buyers who bought goods at an overpriced price are encouraged by the department to file a complaint on the site nyc.gov/dcwp or call 311.

DCWP also reminds New Yorkers that they are eligible for sick leave and must use it if they feel unwell. Under the New York Sick Leave Act, employers with five or more employees working more than 80 hours in a calendar year in New York must provide them with paid sick leave. The same applies to employers with less than five employees.

Insured employees also have the right to use sick leave to care for themselves or for a family member.

For more information, employers and employees can visit the site. nyc.gov/workers or call 311 (dial 212-NEW-YORK if you are not from New York).

More on DCWP

The Department of Consumer and Employee Protection protects New Yorkers by improving their daily economic lives with the goal of creating a prosperous community.

In particular, DCWP grants licenses to more than 75 enterprises in more than 000 industries. The department also ensures compliance with key laws on consumer protection, licensing and workplaces. By supporting businesses through fair enforcement and access to resources, and helping resolve complaints, DCWP protects the market from predatory practices and seeks to create a culture of law enforcement.

Through its work with the public, as well as its financial empowerment and labor policy departments, DCWP is empowering consumers. In particular, providing them with tools and resources to achieve financial well-being and a balance between work and personal life.

Learn more about DCWP you can by calling 311 by visiting the site nyc.gov/dcwp or department pages on social networks: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.