New York's nursing home deaths rise amid Cuomo's pandemic response
- Andrew Cuomo's pandemic response has been criticized for increasing mortality rates among nursing home residents in New York.
- During a House subcommittee hearing, Cuomo defended his nursing home policy, which mandated that residents could not be denied admission based on COVID-19 status.
- The controversy surrounding Cuomo's actions has led to significant scrutiny and calls for accountability regarding his handling of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic response by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has faced intense scrutiny, particularly regarding his policies affecting nursing homes. Evidence presented during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing indicates that Cuomo's directives may have contributed to higher mortality rates among vulnerable populations in these facilities. His policy explicitly stated that nursing homes could not deny admission based on a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 diagnosis, which has raised concerns about the safety of residents. Cuomo defended his actions by claiming that his policies were based on scientific evidence and aligned with federal guidelines. However, critics, including emergency physician Rep. Richard McCormick, pointed out the authoritative language of the directive, which suggested it was mandatory rather than advisory. This contradiction has fueled debates about the adequacy of Cuomo's response to the crisis and the implications for public health. Additionally, Cuomo's decision to decline federal assistance from the USNS Comfort, despite the overwhelming strain on New York City hospitals, has been questioned. His administration's reluctance to utilize available resources has been viewed as a significant misstep during a critical time. The fallout from these revelations has not only tarnished Cuomo's reputation but has also prompted calls for a broader examination of how state governments managed the pandemic, particularly in light of the federal aid they received.