According to the B.C.’s solicitor general, the province will fine individuals $2,000 if they are found to be selling items such as masks at inflated prices or are found to be illegally selling other essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new measure was announced after multiple complaints to Consumer Protection B.C. Some examples include an elderly, immunocompromised consumer paying 10 times the regular price for some N95 masks.
Since the demand for protective equipment such as masks is soaring around the globe, the question is how enforcing agencies will determine whether a seller is passing on a price increased from increased demand or actually price-gouging. Consumer Protection B.C. will be monitoring those factors along with the Retail Council of British Columbia.
Maintaining two meters away from other people who are not members of your own household is the key recommendation to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Municipalities have taken steps to prevent people from crowding into parks or beaches.
B.C. has had success in bending the curve of new cases, in large part because residents have been following those recommendations.
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Healthline – The Importance of Face Masks in the Battle Against COVID-19
BBC Future – Coronavirus: What Is the Best Kind of Face Mask?
Medical News Today – Types of Face Masks: Comprehensive Overview