ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — Governor Andrew Cuomo is taking direct aim at price gouging amid the growing coronavirus outbreak.
During his daily update on Monday morning, the governor unveiled NYS Clean hand sanitizer. This is in direct response to price gouging now being reported statewide. According to the governor, makers of the hand sanitizer can produce 100,000 gallons per week. The hand sanitizer will be distributed to governmental agencies, schools, prisons and public transportation hubs.
To report incidents of price gouging to the state Attorney General’s office please call 1-800-697-1220.
The announcement comes as confirmed cases of COVID-19 swells to 142 with 98 of those cases being reported in New Rochelle, New York. There are still no confirmed cases of the virus in Western New York.
During Monday's press event, Governor Cuomo also announced a new policy when it comes to closing schools. If a positive test is detected, the school will be closed for an initial 24-hour period as the situation is assessed. A duration for the closure will be determined after that initial assessment.
The governor is also introducing a bill today regarding paid sick leave. Governor Cuomo said if the government is ordering quaratine, which amounts to another personal hardship, the person should be paid.
