LANSING, Mich — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents to beware of businesses engaging in potential price-gouging, and to report them to her office.
The warning follows the confirmation of two novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, cases in Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency Tuesday in hopes of mitigating the spread of the virus.
The attorney general's office is aware of businesses selling face masks, hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies at exceptionally high prices – likely in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Other products that consumers might seek to purchase due to the threat of COVID-19 may also be at risk of price-gouging practices.
“Supply and demand might be a familiar saying for retailers, but price-gouging is against the law and protecting consumers against unfair business practices is a service my office provides to residents,” Nessel said. “My Consumer Protection team reviews all complaints we receive and determines whether appropriate legal action should be taken. I encourage any consumer who believes they may be a victim of price-gouging to file a report with my office so that we can follow up on those concerns to hold accountable the people who are illegally profiting off of Michiganders’ fears and take legal action if necessary.”
Last week, the attorney general's office revealed a business in Allendale Township was profiting off rising fears about coronavirus. The True Value was selling individual face masks packaged in Ziploc bags for $10.
Nessel's office is urging Michigan resident to report any violation of the Consumer Protection Act online or by calling 877-765-8388.
The state has set up a website for COVID-19, and their preparations for dealing with the virus
What are the symptoms and ways to prevent COVID-19?
The CDC says patients with the confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
To slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan the state gave the following recommendations:
- Learn about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
- STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK, and individuals at risk of severe illness should consider staying at home to avoid others who are sick.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, cell phones and light switches.
- Communicate and reinforce best practices for washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes.
- Be sure to maintain a supply of medications, food, and other essentials in your house.
- Cancel or postpone large gatherings, conferences and sporting events (e.g. events with over 100 people).
- Reduce in-person gatherings and activities, especially for organizations with individuals at risk of severe illness. Consider offering video or audio of events.
- Consider tele-learning or tele-work opportunities, where feasible.
- Limit non-essential work travel.
- If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.
- Limit visitors at hospitals and other facilities to only those who are absolutely necessary and implement screening of visitors for temperature and respiratory symptoms.
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