Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has declared a state of emergency to help New York more quickly and effectively contain the spread of the coronavirus. Additionally, Cuomo has directed the New York State Department of State’s Consumer Protection Division to launch an investigation into reports of unfair price increases of consumer products, including household cleaning supplies and hand sanitizers amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, and launched a toll-free hotline at 1-800-697-1220 for New Yorkers to report suspected price gouging.
- Expedited procurement of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and other essential resources
- Allowing qualified professionals other than doctors and nurses to conduct testing
- Expedited procurement of testing supplies and equipment
- Expedited personnel onboarding
- Expedited leasing of lab space
- Allowing EMS personnel to transport patients to quarantine locations other than just hospitals
- Providing clear basis for price gouging and enforcement investigation
