Dear Friend,
I wanted to reach out and provide you with a brief update on what we are doing to combat Coronavirus and the many challenges that are facing us during this difficult time.
Many Americans are making great personal sacrifices to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and West Virginia. We are in debt to our health care workers, first responders, and all of the many people who are maintaining the integrity of our supply channel.
As the Chief Legal Officer of West Virginia, I am working hard on the legal issues arising under this epidemic. That means monitoring the flow of essential supplies into West Virginia, enforcing the state’s pricing laws, intervening in critical matters to protect the people’s legal interests, and providing counsel to our Governor, state agencies and prosecutors on enforcement and legal questions.
We live in an unprecedented time. I am confident, however, that we will come out of this crisis stronger than ever before.
If we follow the CDC guidelines and practice social distancing, we will flatten out the incident rate of Coronavirus and minimize death.
Here in West Virginia, we are also asking you to do your part to help us combat this epidemic and protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
Specifically, that means:
- Don't hoard essential products.
Many stores have been running low on important supplies such as certain medicines, toilet paper, ground beef, and hygiene products. Please only buy as much as you need so that we can ensure there is enough to go around. We believe that the supply channel for basic products remains intact. There is no need to hoard.
- Consider accessing medical services online.
Governor Justice's declaration has expanded telemedicine services so that seniors and those who do not want to leave their homes can meet with doctors online and even have prescriptions delivered directly to their door.
- Report price gouging.
Many states, including West Virginia, have laws against price gouging during times of emergency. West Virginia residents should report instances of price gouging online at ago.wv.gov or by calling our hotline at 1-800-368-8808. Residents of other states should look up how to report price gouging to the proper authorities in your state.
The state of West Virginia has set up a free hotline dedicated to public health issues in the state. You can reach this toll-free number at 1-800-887-4304. Call this number if you any public health questions about the virus.
The fight against COVID-19 is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue, it is an American issue. America has always been strongest when we are united, and I know that we will get through this uncertain time if we all chip in and do our part.
Thank you,
Patrick Morrisey
West Virginia Attorney General
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