New York City Hall Announces Deficit Face Mask: What Does It Mean?

In New York, a shortage of protective face masks was announced. In this regard, stores are prohibited from raising prices for this product, and buyers are advised to leave complaints about dishonest sellers. This is stated in a press release from the Department of Protection of the Rights of Consumers and Workers (DCWP).

New York mask shortage

Since March 5, a deficit of face masks has been officially announced in New York. On the eve of March 4, said the Commissioner of the Department for the Protection of the Rights of Consumers and Workers Lorelei Salas (Lorelei Salas).

In accordance with the rules of the city of New York (6 RCNY §5-38), the commissioner may temporarily declare a shortage of certain goods in emergency situations, the source said.

The statement about the shortage of masks temporarily prohibits a sharp increase in prices for this type of product. Salas said that after store shelves were empty and prices rose, the city was obliged to intervene to prevent price rigging. “Helping people who care about their health and the health of their loved ones for the sake of profit will not be in New York,” - said the DCWP Commissioner.

She said that last weekend she personally visited some stores after she heard about excessive prices. “I was charged $ 212 for a box of 10 masks, which is astronomical (sum. - Ed.). This practice is ending, ”she said.

On the subject: Chinese epidemic threatens New York: doctor's opinion

While masks are discouraged for healthy New Yorkers, in some situations they provide public health benefits, said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. He added that the pricing of medical products is indeed unfair. “I am delighted that the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is taking action to stop this,” he said.

How it will affect stores

Stores selling scarce goods are prohibited from: excessively raising prices, demanding the purchase of a minimum amount of goods, denying consumers equal opportunity to buy goods, or demanding 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. The declaration expires after 30 days, but can be canceled or extended by an authorized person, the report said.

How it will affect buyers

Over-priced purchasers may make a complaint https://www.izakayasushilounge.com 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.