* Press release…

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today warned businesses to maintain fair prices on goods and announced that the Attorney General’s office will take action to stop unfair pricing on items that are crucial to stopping the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Raoul’s office has received more than 100 complaints over the last few days from individuals about what they believe is price gouging on items tied to the epidemic, such as hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, face masks and disinfectant sprays. Attorney General Raoul is directing businesses to maintain fair pricing, particularly on items public health agencies are recommending people use to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Attorney General’s office is collaborating with state’s attorneys throughout Illinois to combat price gouging within communities. In addition, Gov. Pritzker issued an executive order Monday that prohibits price gouging and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. Raoul’s office is currently prioritizing enforcement action for price gouging on essential medical supplies, such as protective gear, and other items identified in the governor’s executive order.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial to put people before profits, and I will not hesitate to use my office’s authority to take decisive action against those that deliberately raise the prices of items that are crucial to stopping the spread of the coronavirus. I am committed to collaborating with partners in law enforcement and retail to ensure that businesses do not seize upon this crisis to make money,” Raoul said. “Price gouging will not be tolerated, and I will use all tools at my office’s disposal to hold accountable anyone whose pricing prevents Illinois residents from purchasing necessities that can save the lives of our most vulnerable residents by stopping the spread of the coronavirus.”

The Attorney General’s office is responsible for enforcing the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, which provides consumer protections against fraudulent and deceptive business practices. Raoul’s office has contacted state’s attorneys and law enforcement agencies, as well as the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, to ensure that businesses do not inhibit efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus by exorbitantly raising prices on items people need in order to avoid contracting COVID-19.

In addition to encouraging individuals to file complaints related to unfair pricing, Raoul’s office is monitoring products on websites including Amazon, eBay and Facebook, and contacting companies regarding ads or offers that may be problematic. The Attorney General’s office will continue to investigate and attempt to mediate allegations of unfair pricing.

Raoul’s office is also encouraging people to limit purchases to only items they need and to avoid “hoarding” items that are in high demand as more residents make plans to remain at home to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

* Meanwhile, Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) is either unclear on the concept or he’s pouting…

My only concern is some of that stuff just doesn’t make sense. Why not close grocery stores also? Why only restaurants and bars?

Yeah, close the grocery stores. Right. We need grocery stores, Senator. Bars and Applebee’s? Not so much.

* Highlights from the WBEZ live blog…

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has postponed the monthly City Council meeting scheduled tomorrow, citing new guidance on COVID-19 precautions from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office. […]

The Chicago Transit Authority says the coronavirus appears to be having an effect on ridership. The agency says that, Wednesday through Friday, train ridership was down 19% and bus ridership dropped 6%. The CTA says those were the latest preliminary ridership statistics available.

* From the Tribune’s live blog…

Some Illinois liquor stores expect spike in demand in wake of coronavirus bar closures […]

Highland Park paramedics under quarantine after treating patient with possible exposure to COVID-19

The prospect of losing our first responders to quarantine (or worse) is something that truly alarms me about the next several weeks.

…Adding… Another one…

A Chicago Fire Department paramedic has tested positive for coronavirus and has now been quarantined, City Hall disclosed Tuesday.

The first confirmed case to any of the city’s first-responders was disclosed by Dr. Allison Arwady, the city’s health commissioner, during a conference call with reporters that include Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

“CDPH has already done an investigation [to] ensure the safety of fellow employees. There’s no indication that the member contracted the virus during a service call. The case is doing well in isolation at home,” Arwady said.

* From the WUIS live blog…

Lincoln Library Closes, Public Encouraged Not To Attend Tuesday City Council Meeting, Springfield Fire Department Offers Phone Line To Self-Report COVID-19 […]

Sangamon County Declared “Disaster Area”

* Meanwhile…

Illinois is allowing marijuana dispensaries to provide curbside sales to medical patients to protect them from potential coronavirus infection.

A memo from the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation sent to dispensaries on Monday provided guidelines. “The exchange of cash and product must take place on the dispensary’s property or on a public walkway or at the curb of the street adjacent to the dispensary.”

Home delivery is not allowed. Dispensaries must scan the ID cards of patients or caregivers, but they don’t have to hand over the IDs.

They should have drive-through windows.