Nassau Coronavirus: Business Fined $25K For 'Overpriced Masks'

PLAINVIEW, NY—As the demand for masks, gloves and other medical supplies soars during the coronavirus crisis, Nassau County officials are warning residents to be cautious of price gouging.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said the county recently fined a Plainview businesses $25,000 for selling N95 masks at an inflated price. The worst part, she said, is the masks were not certified.

While officials are not identifying the business, they said the store is currently facing five violations.

"It's the policy of the department not to put a name out there for anyone," Nassau Consumer Affairs Commissioner Gregory May told News 12 Long Island. "They are still innocent until proven guilty."

The masks were reportedly being sold out of a warehouse on Old Country Road, according to ABC News 7.

"If you're buying this [face mask], if you're using this, if you're a health care worker, if you're a grocery store worker, you're depending on this for your health and your safety, you need to know that it is a legit product," Curran said.

Last week, Curran said her office has received 260 reports of price gouging and more than 60 violations have been issued. She said one of those violations included a Port Washington pharmacy that was selling mask for $20 each.


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This article originally appeared on the Plainview Patch