(WENY)-- Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a State of Emergency in order to help contain the spread of the Covid-19(novel coronavirus) after an additional 32 cases were confirmed, bringing it to a total of 76 confirmed cases in New York State. Governor Cuomo hopes this will help New York contain the spread of the virus in a more quick and effective way. 

Additional to his declaration, the Governor has directed the New York State Department of State's Consumer Protection Division to launch an investigation after receiving reports of consumer products, such as household cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer prices reaching unfair rates amid the coronavirus outbreak. Any New Yorkers who suspect price gouging can call this toll-free hotline 1-800-697-1220 and report the source doing so. 

"As we continue to provide essential updates and encourage people to act upon the facts on coronavirus instead of the hype, I have officially done a declaration of emergency which gives us certain powers to help local health departments that are very stressed," Governor Cuomo said. "As the local health departments continue to monitor and quarantine people, we have a more expedited purchasing protocol to get them all the tools they need to contain the virus spread. In the meantime we are cracking down on price gouging which continues to be a problem, and I want businesses to be aware that you could lose your license because we are very serious about this."

The 32 new cases identified on March 7th are located in New York City, Westchester, and Saratoga counties. 

The Geographic break down for the 76 confirmed individuals in NYS goes: Westchester: 57, New York City: 11, Nassau: 4, Rockland: 2, Saratoga: 2.

In addition, the Division of Consumer Protection has also created an online consumer complaint form, where New Yorkers can report suspected price gouging or concerns about improper delivery of quantity. Consumers who wish to file a complaint can visit https://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/. All credible complaints will be referred to the New York State Attorney General's office.