Mercer County Officials Warn About Coronavirus Price Gouging

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County officials are warning residents to be on the lookout for price gouging and other consumer scams related to fears surrounding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Scammers will take advantage of people’s fears during a public health threat,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said in a statement Thursday evening. “Consumers need to be cognizant of that and not fall victim to unscrupulous behavior.”

Hughes advised residents to beware of price gouging on items such as hand sanitizer, or the selling of bogus products claiming to prevent or cure COVID-19.

Anyone who suspects a scam concerning COVID-19 in Mercer County should contact the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs/Weights & Measures at 609-989-6671 or visit the Division online for information on how to file a complaint. Suspected incidents in other jurisdictions in New Jersey can be reported to the State Division of Consumer Affairs at 973-504-6200 or 1-800-242-5846 or visit https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/.

The statement comes after the first two presumptive positive cases of the disease in New Jersey.
In the first case, a 32-year-old Fort Lee man has been hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center since Tuesday, according to state officials. Read more here: More Detail: First Presumptive Positive Case Of Coronavirus In NJ

On Thursday, New Jersey officials announced the identification of a second case in North Jersey, as well as travel restrictions for state employees. Read more here: 2nd Presumptive Case Of Coronavirus In NJ

As of noon, on Thursday, the CDC reported 99 confirmed cases of coronavirus throughout the United States. None of them were in Mercer County. However, the CDC is advising all Americans to be prepared for a possible outbreak in their community. Decisions regarding the implementation of community measures to stem the effects of an outbreak will be made by state and local officials, in consultation with appropriate authorities at the federal level.

Hughes said everyone can play a part in responding to this emerging public health threat. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and the CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine and taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs.

This includes covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; staying home if you are sick; avoiding shaking hands; and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects.

The CDC also recommends washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing, and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Hughes said county officials are increasing the number of hand-sanitizer dispensers in all county facilities.

Officials are also recommending the following steps to help prepare for an outbreak:

• Speak with your employer about options to work from home or telecommute to work
• If chronically ill or requiring daily medication, restock on prescriptions as soon as possible
• Add nonperishable items to your pantry, including go-to sickbed foods such as chicken broth, crackers, hydrating drinks, etc…(there is no need to stockpile food or water, however).

The CDC has also issued an interim guidance designed to help you prepare your household for the transmission of coronavirus within your community. Residents in Camden County should begin to familiarize themselves with this plan and take the necessary steps to prepare a precautionary plan for their household.

For travelers, or residents planning to travel, the CDC has issued several international travel advisories:

Level 3: Avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations:

• Iran (Entry of foreign nationals from these destinations has been suspended)
• China (Entry of foreign nationals from these destinations has been suspended)
• South Korea
• Italy

Level 2: Older adults or those who have chronic medical conditions should consider postponing travel to the following destinations:

• Japan

The CDC is not currently recommending canceling or postponing travel to destinations where the risk of coronavirus is thought to be low. If you are travelling, the CDC recommends following these routine precautions:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

The New Jersey Department of Health has been working to prepare for and respond to the evolving coronavirus since early January. The department shared state and CDC guidance with hospitals, local health officials, K-12 schools, universities and businesses; established a novel coronavirus webpage; partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) to open a call center (1-800-222-1222) for the public; hosted stakeholder teleconferences; and continues coordinating state efforts weekly with the Persichilli.

To date, the 24/7 NJPIES hotline (1-800-222-1222) has received more than 1,195 calls from the public and can accommodate callers in multiple languages. Click here for more information on the coronavirus.

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