THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry has added its voice in calling on businesses to desist from inconsiderately “price gouging” on sanitization and pharmaceutical products, in light of increase demand as a result of the country announcing its first corona virus/COVID-19 case on March 11.

Issuing a statement on Monday, the Chamber called on the business community to be responsible and do their part in helping to prevent the spread of the virus, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Businesses are encouraged to be ethical and compassionate. Be fair in the pricing of products and medication relevant in the fight of COVID-19. We are only strong as our weakest link. Be cognizant that many are void of financial resources. Price gouging of products automatically creates a barrier to the less fortunate,” the statement said.
The agency suggested some seven measures recommended by the WHO that businesses could implement to guard against the spread of the virus, which has already been responsible for 6610 deaths across the globe since the first outbreak originated in Wuhan, China in December, 2019.

Aside from refraining from price gouging, the body called on businesses to eradicate fear and panic through education; fact check before sharing information; keep your environment clean; mandate sanitary practices; manage employee relations and contact; and incorporate smart working.

“The GCCI welcomes all citizens to join the discussion on the fight against COVID-19. Public health is everyone’s responsibility. The way to fight the COVID-19 virus is simple – keep clean. The WHO encourages organisations to sanitize working environments daily. For business leaders with available resources, we implore you to transfer the vigour of cleanliness to your wider community,” the Chamber said.

Adding that: “The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recognizes the far-reaching impacts that COVID-19 will have on public health and business continuity. The GCCI therefore appeals to the business community to be cognizant of the gravity of the situation. If proper steps are not implemented in a timely manner, COVID-19 has the potential to lead to a crisis that our local health sector is incapable of handling.”