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| F.T.C. Warns 10 Companies About Virus-Related Health and Business Claims | F.T.C. Warns 10 Companies About Virus-Related Health and Business Claims |
| (1 day later) | |
| The Federal Trade Commission has warned 10 companies to stop making health claims about treating and preventing the coronavirus or pitching business opportunities amid the pandemic, the agency announced on Friday. | The Federal Trade Commission has warned 10 companies to stop making health claims about treating and preventing the coronavirus or pitching business opportunities amid the pandemic, the agency announced on Friday. |
| The group of letters represent the first time the F.T.C. has issued warnings about claims of potential earnings related to the economic fallout from the pandemic. The commission and the Food and Drug Administration have previously sent warning letters about unapproved health products related to the coronavirus. | The group of letters represent the first time the F.T.C. has issued warnings about claims of potential earnings related to the economic fallout from the pandemic. The commission and the Food and Drug Administration have previously sent warning letters about unapproved health products related to the coronavirus. |
| There currently are no products that are scientifically proven to treat or prevent the virus, according to the F.D.A. | There currently are no products that are scientifically proven to treat or prevent the virus, according to the F.D.A. |
| In the recent letters, the trade commission targeted so-called multilevel marketers, which distribute products or services through networks of salespeople who are not employees of the company and who do not receive a salary or wage. It warned the companies that false or misleading earnings claims are a violation of federal law. | In the recent letters, the trade commission targeted so-called multilevel marketers, which distribute products or services through networks of salespeople who are not employees of the company and who do not receive a salary or wage. It warned the companies that false or misleading earnings claims are a violation of federal law. |
| “M.L.M.s and other companies that distribute their products through networks of distributors are responsible for the product and earnings claims those distributors are making,” Andrew Smith, the director of the commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement announcing the warning letters. | “M.L.M.s and other companies that distribute their products through networks of distributors are responsible for the product and earnings claims those distributors are making,” Andrew Smith, the director of the commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement announcing the warning letters. |
| “During this health and economic crisis, we are on the lookout for false income claims for work-at-home opportunities, in addition to spurious health claims that products can treat or prevent Covid-19,” he said. | “During this health and economic crisis, we are on the lookout for false income claims for work-at-home opportunities, in addition to spurious health claims that products can treat or prevent Covid-19,” he said. |
| The letters note videos and social media posts by the companies or their distributors in which the F.T.C. said they made unsubstantiated claims about health benefits and potential income. | The letters note videos and social media posts by the companies or their distributors in which the F.T.C. said they made unsubstantiated claims about health benefits and potential income. |
| One example highlighted by the agency, a video from Pruvit Ventures, which sells ketone supplements, included the statement: “I can tell you that there’s thousands of people that are out of work right now. They’re all looking for a way to go earn money. This is a great stimulus package, because you get to teach somebody how to go earn $1,730 literally in their first 10 days in the business.” | One example highlighted by the agency, a video from Pruvit Ventures, which sells ketone supplements, included the statement: “I can tell you that there’s thousands of people that are out of work right now. They’re all looking for a way to go earn money. This is a great stimulus package, because you get to teach somebody how to go earn $1,730 literally in their first 10 days in the business.” |
| In another warning letter, the commission quoted a social media post by Zurvita, a health and wellness company: “Want to join me in drinking Zeal to combat the Corona Virus? Contact me … to learn how to be your own Corona Virus Super Hero!” | In another warning letter, the commission quoted a social media post by Zurvita, a health and wellness company: “Want to join me in drinking Zeal to combat the Corona Virus? Contact me … to learn how to be your own Corona Virus Super Hero!” |
| Pruvit Ventures, doTERRA International, Total Life Changes, Tranont, Modere and Arbonne International received warning letters for making both health- and earnings-related claims. | Pruvit Ventures, doTERRA International, Total Life Changes, Tranont, Modere and Arbonne International received warning letters for making both health- and earnings-related claims. |
| IDLife, It Works Marketing, and Rodan & Fields received warning letters about earnings claims only, and Zurvita received a letter about health claims only. | IDLife, It Works Marketing, and Rodan & Fields received warning letters about earnings claims only, and Zurvita received a letter about health claims only. |
| Kevin Wilson, a spokesman for doTERRA International, said in an email on Saturday that the company had received the letter and was “working to address the concerns.” He added that the company, which sells essential oils and is based in Utah, “has been steadfast in its efforts to comply with relevant laws and regulations.” | Kevin Wilson, a spokesman for doTERRA International, said in an email on Saturday that the company had received the letter and was “working to address the concerns.” He added that the company, which sells essential oils and is based in Utah, “has been steadfast in its efforts to comply with relevant laws and regulations.” |
| In a statement on Saturday, Lauren Hartung, a spokeswoman for Rodan & Fields, said the company “does not tolerate noncompliant or misleading income claims, and we routinely initiate enforcement action against such claims.” | In a statement on Saturday, Lauren Hartung, a spokeswoman for Rodan & Fields, said the company “does not tolerate noncompliant or misleading income claims, and we routinely initiate enforcement action against such claims.” |
| She said the company, which specializes in skin products, is “committed to following the F.T.C.’s best practices around this topic and will continue to reinforce these guidelines and explore how we can continue to best educate and train consultants surrounding this important topic.” | She said the company, which specializes in skin products, is “committed to following the F.T.C.’s best practices around this topic and will continue to reinforce these guidelines and explore how we can continue to best educate and train consultants surrounding this important topic.” |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| Zurvita did not immediately respond for a comment on Saturday. But on its Facebook page, the company said that “it is imperative that our Independent Consultants and customers avoid posting that our products are intended to prevent, treat or cure Covid-19 or any other disease,” adding that all coronavirus-related prevention or treatment claims are strictly prohibited by the F.T.C. | Zurvita did not immediately respond for a comment on Saturday. But on its Facebook page, the company said that “it is imperative that our Independent Consultants and customers avoid posting that our products are intended to prevent, treat or cure Covid-19 or any other disease,” adding that all coronavirus-related prevention or treatment claims are strictly prohibited by the F.T.C. |
| Arbonne said it “upholds the highest standards of integrity and we do not condone deceptive, unethical or illegal posts, claims or practices — especially given the seriousness of the Covid-19 emergency.” | Arbonne said it “upholds the highest standards of integrity and we do not condone deceptive, unethical or illegal posts, claims or practices — especially given the seriousness of the Covid-19 emergency.” |
| The other companies did not immediately respond for comment on Saturday. | The other companies did not immediately respond for comment on Saturday. |
| The letters said the companies had 48 hours to respond with explanations of what they were doing to correct the violations. It was not immediately clear what consequences the companies would face for noncompliance. | The letters said the companies had 48 hours to respond with explanations of what they were doing to correct the violations. It was not immediately clear what consequences the companies would face for noncompliance. |