According to Guatemalan authorities, five establishments have already been sanctioned, since these businesses have offered free covid-19 tests or masks that ensure total protection against infection, which is classified as misleading advertising.

Check out the "System for monitoring markets and economic situation in Central American countries", developed by CentralAmericaData.

Silvia Escobar, head of the Directorate of Consumer Services (Diaco), told Prensalibre.com that "... these terms should not be used because they cause the population to relax in the face of the risk of contagion when the practices that prevent it are social distancing, hand washing and the use of masks."

The article adds that "... the Diaco makes tours and attends to complaints from consumers with the establishments in order to seek conciliation."

Fines can amount to about $30,000. According to official figures so far this year, complaints about misleading advertising have increased by 600% when compared to the same period in 2019.

The Guatemalan economy began the process of reopening productive activities in the last week of July, and to date almost all businesses have been able to reopen, as long as they apply the protocols established by the Ministry of Health.

Source: prensalibre.com

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