Former Governor Andrew Cuomo to Testify Before House COVID-19 Panel on Nursing Home Deaths
Cuomo’s Testimony Set for September 10
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is set to testify next week before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic regarding his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, notably the controversial directive that sent COVID-positive patients into nursing homes. This mandate has been blamed for the deaths of thousands of senior citizens, sparking intense scrutiny and outrage.
Subcommittee’s Focus on “Unscientific Guidance”
The subcommittee, which announced its plans to question Cuomo on September 10, has referred to the policies enacted by the former governor as “unscientific guidance” that led to a tragic loss of life. Subcommittee Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) emphasized the gravity of the upcoming testimony, stating, “Andrew Cuomo owes answers to the 15,000 families who lost loved ones in New York’s nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Second Appearance Before the Committee
This will be Cuomo’s second appearance before the committee. In June, he participated in a closed-door, seven-hour-long interview, which members of the subcommittee described as revealing a “shockingly callous” attitude from the former governor. During this session, Cuomo reportedly deflected responsibility, pointing fingers at the federal government, particularly the Trump administration, for the lack of proper guidance during the early stages of the pandemic.
Controversial March 25, 2020 Directive
Cuomo’s infamous March 25, 2020 directive required nursing homes across New York State to admit COVID-positive patients, a move that many believe contributed significantly to the death toll among vulnerable elderly populations. Independent reports from organizations like the New York Bar Association and the Empire Center for Public Policy in 2021 have further substantiated these claims, indicating that the directive may have led to hundreds of additional deaths.
Underreporting of Nursing Home Deaths
Moreover, a report from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James found that the Cuomo administration had significantly underreported the nursing home death toll, low-balling the figures by more than 50%. This underreporting has been a focal point in criticisms against Cuomo, with evidence suggesting that his administration undercounted COVID-19 fatalities by an average of 56% across 62 nursing homes.
Revised COVID Death Data Released
Health Commissioner Howard Zucker eventually released revised data, revealing that the COVID death count in New York nursing homes was much higher than initially reported, increasing from 8,711 to 12,743. The revelation that Cuomo’s administration had misled the public about the true scale of the disaster has only fueled the anger of families and lawmakers alike.
Potential Cover-Up and Accountability Issues
Adding to the controversy, Cuomo’s top aide, Melissa DeRosa, admitted in a transcribed interview with the House COVID panel that data was initially withheld due to concerns over a potential Justice Department probe. This admission has been cited as further evidence of a cover-up designed to protect the administration’s reputation at the expense of transparency and accountability.
Criticism from Independent Reports
Recent findings from a report by The Olson Group, a consulting firm, have criticized Cuomo’s handling of the pandemic as a “significant and unnecessary mistake.” The report suggests that Cuomo’s decision to override established health department protocols and centralize decision-making in his office created unnecessary confusion and hindered the effective management of the crisis. The report also noted that had New York followed the established pandemic plans, the state could have mitigated the impact of the virus more effectively.
Anticipation Surrounding Cuomo’s Testimony
As the public hearing approaches, there is growing anticipation about what Cuomo will reveal and how he will address the criticisms against his leadership during one of the most challenging periods in New York’s history. With over 84,000 New Yorkers having lost their lives to COVID-19, according to CDC data, the upcoming testimony is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing examination of how state and federal responses contributed to the pandemic’s devastating toll.
Cuomo’s Defense and Public Reaction
Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, has dismissed the subcommittee’s actions as politically motivated, accusing its members of engaging in “false political attacks” and defending the former governor’s actions as being in line with federal guidance at the time. However, as the nation watches, Cuomo’s testimony could either provide long-sought answers or deepen the controversy surrounding his legacy.
A Crucial Moment for Families Seeking Accountability
The hearing on September 10 will be a significant event, not only for the families of those who died in New York’s nursing homes but for the broader public as it seeks to understand the full scope of what happened during those early, chaotic days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a crucial moment for the families, who have been seeking answers and accountability for their loved ones.