Some Apply COVID-19 Surcharges

Hind Khoudary

News

5th July 2020

The claim circulating is not only true but also a trend nowadays (Twitter)

The Claim

Covid-19 surcharges are being applied in the UK and USA.

News posted on

Twitter

mariamabdallah

Emerging story

After easing the lockdown restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, social media users in the USA and the UK started expressing their anger about businesses adding a surcharge. Some users attached pictures of the bills. A social media user claimed that the COVID-19 surcharge was $2.19 and it was added to the bill. The picture of the bill went viral on social media.

Mariam Abdallah, a journalist based in New York, published an article on Grow raising awareness for readers to watch out for increases from pre-pandemic prices. Abdallah reported that many businesses and service providers are charging customers more.

Misbar’s Analysis

Misbar’s investigation finds that the claim circulating is not only true but also a trend nowadays as social media users are sharing their experiences with the COVID-19 surcharge and posting selfies with the bills.

The Wall Street Journal reported that companies from major retailers and package carriers to local restaurants and hair salons are facing higher costs to keep workers and customers safe. In an indefinite period of suppressed demand, businesses are navigating an ever-narrower path to profitability. To make the math work, some businesses are cutting services and jobs. Others are raising prices, including imposing coronavirus-related fees.

After being heavily criticized on social media for adding a 5 percent surcharge. The Kiko Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge posted on Facebook: “We are doing this hoping we can adjust the surcharge weekly rather than just raise all of our prices on our menu due to increase prices from our supplier on meat, poultry, seafood and produce.”

The Independent also warned travelers aiming to visit the US later in the summer may find a “Covid-19 surcharge” on the bill at bars and restaurants.

Abc Baltimore reported that this new surcharge is popping up around the country and is an extra fee that businesses can add to a bill to help alleviate the financial burden placed upon them during the virus outbreak.