ROCKFORD, Mich. – Two Michigan businesses agreed to stop selling fake coronavirus (COVID-19) defense patches after receiving cease and desist letters from the attorney general’s office.
AG Dana Nessel issued the letters to Rockford-area businesses Frequency Apps Corp. and Biores Technologies Inc. last month for selling patches that claimed to protect people from COVID-19.
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Both companies signed an assurance of voluntary compliance document stated they would not market or sell the “Coronavirus Defender” patch.
Officials said the businesses were marketing the patch through emails that claimed the it could “help aid the immune system to defend itself against exposure to the virus,” and “help lessen the effect of the virus if you already have” it.
It was priced at $49.99, but the companies stated that consumers could receive a 30-day supply of the patch for free when buying a 45-day supply of any patches the companies sell.
The businesses said they never sold any of the patches, but as a result of the agreement, they will be required to pay $1,000 to the state for its enforcement efforts by May 1.
Also, if any customer provides proof by Dec. 31 that they purchased a patch, the company will have to pay $1,000 per customer. Half of that money would go to the consumer, and the state would keep the other half.
“Deceitful business practices in any environment are unacceptable, but they carry a heavier stench of impropriety during a public health emergency like what Michigan is experiencing now,” Nessel said. “I’m proud of the work my Corporate Oversight Division has accomplished in bringing this matter to a close and stopping another bad actor from profiting on the fears of hardworking Michiganders.”
MORE: What the CDC says you should do if you believe you have coronavirus (COVID-19)
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.