New York bans price increases on all products to protect or fight coronavirus

Raising prices is prohibited for disinfectants and cleaners, soaps, diagnostic products and services, medicines and fabrics needed to prevent or treat coronavirus. The new ban is spelled out in a press release by the Department of Consumer and Employee ProtectionDCWP) You will learn below how and where to file a complaint against unscrupulous sellers.

About the ban

New York officially banned artificially raising the price of goods needed to prevent or treat coronavirus. The rule applies to such products: disinfectants and cleaners, soaps, diagnostic products and services, medicines and tissues necessary to prevent, limit the spread or treatment of coronavirus. Prices for these products are prohibited from increasing by 10 percent or more.

On March 17, a temporary ban was announced by Lorelei Salas, Commissioner for Consumer and Employee Protection (DCWP). “It is time for us to get together and not use each other for profit,” said the DCWP Commissioner. “We use every tool in our arsenal to protect New Yorkers from price rigging during this public health emergency.”

The new rule entered into force on March 16, 2020 and will be valid for 60 days. It can be extended once for another 60 days.

Penalties for Violation

The penalty for excessive price increases for scarce goods is up to $ 500 per product or service. If businesses can justify the price increase by starting to pay more for the supply of goods, they must provide evidence to DCWP.

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It has been reported that since the first declaration on March 5, DCWP has received more than 1000 complaints about overpriced prices. In addition, on three counts that were temporarily declared in short supply, the DCWP issued more than 550 fines.

How and where to file a complaint

If you encounter higher prices for the above groups of products, it is recommended that you file a complaint. You can do this on the website nyc.gov/dcwp or by contacting 311. Please note that you must save receipts and any information about the store where you made the purchase.

Salas also reminded New Yorkers that they are entitled to sick leave and should use it if they feel unwell. Under New York sick leave law, 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.

Recall that on March 5, the Commissioner announced facial mask deficiency. March 10th this statement has been expanded hand sanitizers and wipes.

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.

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