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Price gouging incidents reported in Utah amid COVID-19 outbreak
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Attorney General’s Office stated in a Facebook post on Saturday that there have been reports of price gouging on items that are in limited supply in stores.
The items include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, household cleaners, cold medicine, and even baby formula.
It is not clear whether the reports that were made involve retail stores, other consumers reselling online, or online scammers. However, according to the Price Controls Under Emergencies Act (Utah Code 13-41-101-202), price gouging during a state of emergency is against the law.
The law affirms that if a state of emergency exists, a person may not charge a consumer an excessive price for goods or services sold or provided at retail.
The penalty for this offense carries a fine of $1,000 per incident.
In their Facebook post, the Utah Attorney General’s Office has urged the public to report any price gouging activity to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.
Utah Division of Consumer Protection Phone: (801) 530-6601
Utah Division of Consumer Protection Toll-Free in Utah:(800) 721-7233
Related articles:
Nine more COVID-19 cases in Salt Lake County
Davis County confirms second coronavirus case
University of Utah grad student tests positive for COVID-19
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Resources for more information:
LOCAL:
State of Utah: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
