Price gouging has been a major concern across the U.S. since the beginning of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic declaration, and Pennsylvania’s leaders are fighting back.

Montgomery County’s own, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, and his office are cracking down on price gouging in the commonwealth to ensure consumers are paying a fair price for goods and services during these unprecedented times.

It is unconscionable that someone would sell toilet paper for $39.99hand sanitizer for $19 or exorbitant prices for the essential items people need when they are asked to stay at home to mitigate spread of coronavirus. We must fight to stop this immoral, vile process together.

If you observe price gouging please report it to the Office of the Attorney General at pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov

Did you just pay $39.99 for toilet paper? The Pennsylvania attorney general wants to hear from you.

The tweet came from Philadelphia, alerting Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro that a supermarket was selling a 36-roll package of toilet paper for $39.99.

Add that to the list of hundreds of cases of alleged price gouging now under investigation by Shapiro’s office. Those rolls of toilet paper join paper towels, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and other items. One pharmacy in Montgomery County was charging $25 for face masks. Continue »

It is important everyone remain calm as we work through this public health crisis. Remember, there are resources for those in need and follow the advice of officials who have urged we shop responsibly so that the supply chain can do its job and everyone has access to the goods they need.

Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping provide clear guidance and direction in response to coronavirus COVID-19.

Keep in mind, Philadelphia is regularly updating its website to provide more information and resources on coronavirus COVID-19.

Montgomery County is doing the same.

Senator Hughes and his colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus are working to ensure state-level resources get to our people, especially the most vulnerable. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Visit senatorhughes.com/coronavirus for the latest updates.

In the meantime, here are some reminders about preventing spread of the disease:

Best practices to plan, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
What to do if you think you have coronavirus COVID-19, according to the CDC:

  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor
  • Wear a facemask if you are sick
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Clean your hands often
  • Avoid sharing personal household items
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

For more details on what to do prevent coronavirus COVID-19 spread, visit the CDCs full list of recommendations

Coronavirus Information Sheet - click to download.

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