NYC to Fine Stores for Making Money Off Coronavirus Fears

New York – A new rule going into effect Thursday will fine stores up to $500 for making money off coronavirus fears.

There has been numerous reports of stores running out of face masks and Purell, and others have been overcharging for these products. On Amazon, there were incidents of Purell being sold for $199 for a four-pack, or $800 a case. Sales of hand sanitizers were up 73 percent from last year.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the city will start cracking down on them, with fines of up to $500.
“Any store that is found price gouging will be fined,” de Blasio said.

Price gouging is already illegal in New York during a declared emergency. There has not been an emergency declaration over the coronavirus outbrea